Aprile's Kitchen

Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish that originated in Hungary. It typically consists of tender meat, vegetables, and spices, all simmered together to create a comforting stew. This American version often includes pasta, making it a filling one-pot meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or other meat, such as pork or turkey)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (or water) (find my broth recipes HERE and HERE)
• 2 teaspoons paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1-2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
4. Season: Add the paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate all the spices and flavors.
5. Add the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water.
6. Add cheese (optional): If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
7. Serve: Ladle the goulash into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy hot!

This goulash recipe is versatile, and you can modify it by adding other vegetables like carrots or peas, or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy this comforting dish for a cozy family dinner!