Description
Okay, so first things first – this isn’t that fancy Hungarian goulash your great-aunt Gertrude used to make with paprika and all that jazz. This is good old-fashioned American goulash, and honestly? It’s way better for a Tuesday night when you’re exhausted and the kids are hangry. It’s basically everything you love about comfort food thrown into one big pot: ground beef, tender pasta, melty cheese, and a rich tomato sauce that’ll make you want to lick the bowl clean. My mom used to make this when we were kids, and now I’m making it for my own family because some things just work.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Players:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is perfect – enough fat for flavor but not swimming in grease)
- 1 large onion, diced (don’t be precious about it, just chop it up)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or that squeeze tube stuff, I won’t tell)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (whatever color you’ve got – I usually grab whatever’s on sale)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (the classic choice, but any short pasta works)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (don’t drain it!)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (the plain stuff, not the fancy marinara)
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken, or even water with bouillon cubes)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (adds that deep, rich flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (the secret weapon)
- 1 tablespoon paprika (this is what makes it taste “right”)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (even if you used fresh garlic – trust me)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (if you’ve got it – adds amazing depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper the better)
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional, but my kids love it)
Optional But Awesome:
- 1/4 cup sour cream (makes it extra creamy)
- Green onions for topping
- Extra cheese because… cheese
- Hot sauce for the adults who like a little kick