American Goulash (Beef and Macaroni)
Ingredients
Pasta: 1 lb (500g) Elbow Macaroni.
Meat: 1 lb (500g) Ground Beef.
Vegetables:
1 Medium Onion, finely chopped.
2 Cloves of Garlic, minced.
1 Green Bell Pepper, diced.
1 Red Bell Pepper (optional), diced.
Sauce & Liquid:
2 tbsp Tomato Paste.
1 can (15 oz) Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce.
2-3 cups Beef Broth or Water.
Seasoning: Salt, Black Pepper, 1 tsp Paprika, and 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (or Oregano).
Optional: Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese for topping.
Preparation Steps
Brown the Meat: In a large pot or skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté Vegetables: Add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the meat. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Create the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and all the seasonings. Mix well to combine the flavors.
Simmer: Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta: * Add the uncooked macaroni directly into the pot.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10–12 minutes (or until the pasta is tender). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve: The dish should be saucy and “juicy.” Serve it hot, and feel free to sprinkle some cheese on top while it’s still steaming!
