Chef John's American Goulash

This American goulash is a one-pot, cafeteria-style mix of ground beef, macaroni, and a seasoned tomato sauce. It's the comfort food of your childhood!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Calories: 336 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 quart chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 large bay leaves
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup chopped Italian parsley

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbly and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Continue to cook and stir until liquid is evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, bay leaves, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.

Step 2

Cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors come together, about 3 minutes. Pour in broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Pour water into the sauce jar, swirl, and pour into the pot. Stir in soy sauce; bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until flavors intensify, about 30 minutes.

Step 3

Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid simmer. Stir in macaroni; cook, stirring occasionally, until just barely tender, about 12 minutes. Check for doneness after 10 minutes.

Step 4

Remove from the heat and discard bay leaves. Stir in Cheddar and parsley. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Taste and season as desired.