American Goulash Recipe
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/9b16519d-fe42-4f94-ba76-94318cc11713
Original source: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/grandmas-goulash/
Recipe image: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/cropped-Grandmas-Goulash-2-SpendWithPennies.jpg

Make this simple goulash for a one pot dinner made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Yield: 8
Prep time: PT15M
Cook time: PT25M
Total time: PT45M

Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or tomato based pasta sauce)
- 2 cups beef broth (or water, more as needed)
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 green bell pepper (diced, optional)
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf (2 if they are small)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella cheese, optional)

Instructions
1. In a Dutch oven or a large skillet with a lid, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
2. Add the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
5. Remove & discard the bay leaf. Top with cheese if using, and replace the lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese is melted.