Goulash-style Ground Beef Macaroni

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (green or red), diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions / Method

  1. Cook the pasta:
  • Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  1. Cook the beef:
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
  • Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until browned.
  1. Make the sauce:
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes.
  • Add diced tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and oregano.
  1. Combine:
  • Add cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir well to coat noodles with sauce.
  • Simmer 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  1. Serve:
  • Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Preparation

  • Total time: 30–35 minutes
  • Serves: 4–6 people

History

Goulash macaroni has roots in Central European cuisine, combining hearty ground beef with paprika-spiced tomato sauce and pasta. It became popular in the U.S. as an easy, comforting, and budget-friendly meal.

Tips

  • For a creamier version, add a splash of sour cream at the end.
  • You can substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes.
  • Leftovers taste even better after a few hours, once the flavors meld.

Benefits

  • High in protein from ground beef.
  • Provides vitamins and minerals from vegetables.
  • A balanced, filling meal when served with a side of vegetables or salad.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 400–450 kcal
  • Protein: 25–28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45–50 g
  • Fat: 15–18 g
  • Fiber: 4–5 g

Conclusion

This ground beef macaroni dish is a hearty, comforting meal that is quick to prepare and family-friendly. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s rich in flavor, easy to customize, and a great way to enjoy a filling pasta dish.

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