American Goulash – Get ready to experience a hearty and flavorful delight with our Cheesy American Goulash recipe. This classic comfort food has all the elements to make it a family favorite. Picture tender ground beef, onions, and garlic, simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The addition of creamy cheddar cheese takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Don’t miss out on this comforting dish that will warm your soul and leave you craving for more.
In our household, Cheesy American Goulash has become a beloved staple that holds a special place in our hearts. It all started one cozy winter evening when I decided to surprise my husband with a homemade dinner. As the intoxicating aroma filled the kitchen, my husband’s curiosity grew, and he couldn’t resist peaking in to see what was cooking. The moment he took his first bite, his face lit up with pure joy. The blend of flavors and the comforting nature of this dish instantly won him over. From that day forward, it became a regular request from my little family. It brings us together, creating beautiful memories around the dining table, as we savor each cheesy, savory spoonful.
Why This Hearty Delight Will Win Your Heart?
- Irresistible Flavor: Our Cheesy American Goulash combines the richness of ground beef, the sweetness of diced onions, and the depth of garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Comforting and Satisfying: This dish is the epitome of comfort food. The tender elbow macaroni noodles, perfectly cooked in the flavorful tomato-based sauce, will wrap you in a warm, satisfying embrace.
- Versatile and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It can be customized by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Cheesy Goodness: The addition of melted cheddar cheese takes this goulash to new heights of indulgence. The creamy, gooey cheese adds a delightful richness that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (900g)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon beef base or bouillon
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (one can petite diced)
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Directions:
In a large stockpot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and drain excess grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons.
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, along with water, beef base (or bouillon), tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, soy sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, ensuring they are well-coated in the sauce. Cover the pot again and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles reach an al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy consistency throughout the goulash.
Serve the Cheesy American Goulash hot, garnished with freshly chopped Italian parsley for a touch of freshness and color.
Notes:
- Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to add more texture and flavor to your goulash.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.
- This recipe is great for leftovers! The flavors intensify the next day, making it even more delicious when reheated.
- Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving, as they are used solely for flavoring and are not meant to be eaten.
In conclusion, Cheesy American Goulash is a recipe that has won the hearts and taste buds of many. Its comforting flavors, tender textures, and the indulgent addition of melted cheddar cheese make it a true delight for all. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying weeknight dinner or a dish that brings the whole family together, this goulash delivers on all fronts. With its versatility and ease of preparation, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your household, just as it has in mine. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let the irresistible flavors and heartwarming memories it creates become a part of your own culinary journey. Get ready to experience the magic of Cheesy American Goulash!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. It will lend a slightly different flavor profile but will still result in a delicious goulash.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This goulash freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While elbow macaroni is traditional for goulash, you can certainly experiment with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.
American Goulash
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef 900g
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon beef base or bouillon
- 2 15 ounce cans tomato sauce
- 2 15 ounce cans diced tomatoes (one can petite diced)
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh Italian parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and drain excess grease, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the pot, along with water, beef base (or bouillon), tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, soy sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, ensuring they are well-coated in the sauce. Cover the pot again and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles reach an al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy consistency throughout the goulash.
- Serve the Cheesy American Goulash hot, garnished with freshly chopped Italian parsley for a touch of freshness and color.
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