American-Style Beef and Macaroni Goulash

A quick and hearty one-pot meal with ground beef, macaroni, and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce.

This is a classic American comfort food that comes together in about 40 minutes. It's a versatile dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.

The combination of tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce makes it a family favorite. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Ingredients

Servings 4

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrot and sauté for 6 minutes. Push the vegetables to one side of the pot.
  2. Add the ground beef in about 5 chunks and let it brown on the bottom for 2–3 minutes. Then break up the beef and mix it with the vegetables. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked.
  3. Drain off any excess fat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the macaroni and stir. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly tender, about 10–12 minutes. If needed, add a little more broth to thin the sauce.
  6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  7. Stir in the parsley. Serve warm.

💡 Tips

  • For a richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and taste even better the next day.

Inspired by a recipe from Cooking Classy

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