Old-Fashioned American Goulash

Recipe make about 6 servings

Whatcha Need

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
• 1 ½ cups water (or enough to cook the macaroni)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Whatcha Do

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking it until softened, about 5 minutes. Drain off excess grease if needed.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste if using. Add the water, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add the uncooked macaroni directly into the pot. Stir well, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
5. Serve hot, straight from the pot.