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American Goulash

I grew up on this meal - it's cheap, flavorful and filling. All you need is ground beef, elbow macaroni, and canned tomatoes plus whatever aromatics you have on hand.
prep time15 minutes
cook time30 minutes
total time45 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients (~8 servings)

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef, 80/20
  • 2 medium yellow onions, ~2 cups, chopped
  • 3 Tbsp garlic, minced
  • 2 cups filtered water, divided
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 3/4 tsp dried rosemary
  • 3 1/2 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 3/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp sugar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cans petite diced tomatoes, 28 oz
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Heat 1 Tbsp oil in skillet, brown beef 5-6 minutes, drain fat.
  • Add remaining oil, cook onions 4-5 minutes, then garlic 1 minute.
  • Deglaze pan with water, add spices, cook 1 minute.
  • Return beef, add Worcestershire, tomatoes, macaroni, water.
  • Cover, boil, then simmer 15-18 minutes until pasta is tender.
  • Top with Parmesan and parsley before serving.

Notes

Pasta should be slightly saucy, not dry.