Homemade Goulash

Ingredients

• 2 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
• 1 each Onion (Medium, diced)
• 1 each Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
• 2 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz each, no added salt)
• 2 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz each, plain)
• 1 tbsp Garlic (Minced fresh garlic)
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (Dried herb blend)
• 3 leaves Bay Leaves (Dried)
• 1 tsp Salt (To taste)
• 1 tsp Black Pepper (Ground, to taste)
• 1 cup Beef Broth (Low‑sodium)
• 1 lb Elbow Macaroni (Dry)
• 1 pinch Paprika (For color and mild flavor)
• 0.5 cup Shredded Cheese (optional) (Parmesan, cheddar, or any preferred cheese)

Instructions

1. Prep Vegetables

   Dice the onion and green bell pepper into small pieces and mince the garlic.

   Time: PT5M

2. Brown Ground Beef

   Heat the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned, about 8 minutes.

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: medium-high

3. Sauté Vegetables

   Add the diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium

4. Drain Excess Liquid

   If there is a lot of rendered liquid, carefully tilt the pot and drain it off.

   Time: PT2M

5. Add Tomatoes and Sauce

   Stir in the two cans of diced tomatoes and the two cans of tomato sauce until evenly combined.

   Time: PT2M

6. Season the Base

   Add the Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir briefly.

   Time: PT1M

7. Simmer the Sauce

   Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: low

8. Add Broth and Pasta

   Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, add the whole 1‑lb box of elbow macaroni, and sprinkle a pinch of paprika. Stir to combine.

   Time: PT3M

9. Cook Pasta

   Cover the pot, lower the heat to low, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the macaroni is al dente, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: low

10. Finish and Serve

    Remove and discard the bay leaves, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot. Top with shredded cheese if desired and enjoy with cornbread or crusty Italian bread.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

650

Protein

30g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

25g

Fiber

5g