Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ large onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
- ¼ cup (60g) tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 ounces (about 1 ½ cups) elbow macaroni
- 1 cup (4oz) shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
Instructions
- Heat and sauté onions: In a large pot with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook them until their edges start turning translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the crushed or minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the tomato paste, salt, dried oregano, dried basil, ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly so the meat is well-coated and the aroma of garlic and spices intensifies, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and soy sauce, then add the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover with the lid and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add macaroni and cook: Remove the bay leaves from the pot. Stir in the elbow macaroni, then cover again. Continue simmering, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, which will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Finish with cheese: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Replace the lid and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into the dish. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting American Goulash!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you like a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese adds a nice depth of flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
