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Bowl of Grandma’s American Goulash

Traditional American Goulash Recipe

This old fashioned American goulash is a hearty, one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. An easy, comforting dinner just like grandma used to make.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 15 ounce can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3 cups water or broth
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Method
 

  1. Brown ground beef in a large pot and drain excess grease.
  2. Add onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, then add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and seasonings.
  4. Simmer, then add macaroni and cook until tender. Let sit before serving.

Notes

  • Add a pinch of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic
  • Add a splash of water if it becomes too thick
  • Optional: top with shredded cheddar when serving (not traditional, but popular)

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