American Goulash

How to Make American Goulash

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1. Brown the beef in a large, deep pan over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains.

   Mark done Start 8 min timer

2. Add the onion and green pepper and cook for 6 minutes, until softened.

   Mark done Start 6 min timer

3. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste and paprika and cook for 2 minutes, until the paste darkens.

   Mark done Start 2 min timer

4. Add the tomatoes, stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, oregano, salt and pepper and bring to the boil.

   Mark done

5. Stir in the macaroni, reduce the heat to a steady simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

   Mark done Start 15 min timer

6. Remove the bay leaves, taste for salt and serve at once, sprinkled with the parsley.

   Mark done

Tips for Making American Goulash

• Stir often once the macaroni goes in. The pasta releases starch and sticks to the base of the pan if it is left alone.
• Add a splash of stock or water if it gets too thick. Macaroni carries on drinking the sauce as it stands, and it is better a little loose in the pan.
• Use good tomatoes and let the paste brown. Cooked-out tomato paste gives depth, and a tinned tomato with no added sugar tastes fresher.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• An eighth of a teaspoon of garlic powder per clove is the usual stand-in when you are out of fresh garlic — it will not caramelise the same way, but it carries the flavour.
• Fresh herbs work in place of the dried oregano at roughly three times the quantity — a teaspoon of dried is about a tablespoon of fresh, chopped.

What to Serve with American Goulash

• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Grated cheddar

Storing & Reheating American Goulash

Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta absorbs the sauce, so add a splash of water or stock when reheating. Freeze for up to 3 months in a lidded container and thaw in the fridge overnight.

American Goulash FAQ: Common Questions

American Goulash Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.