Chef John's American Goulash
Description
This American goulash is a one-pot, cafeteria-style mix of ground beef, macaroni, and a seasoned tomato sauce. It's the comfort food of your childhood!
Ingredients
•
1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 pounds ground beef
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1 large onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 large bay leaves
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2 tablespoons paprika
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
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1 quart chicken broth
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1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
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1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
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1 cup water
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 cups elbow macaroni
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1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
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1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
Directions
1
Gather all ingredients.
2
Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion; cook and stir until beef is browned and crumbly and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Continue to cook and stir until liquid is evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, bay leaves, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
3
Cook, stirring occasionally, until flavors come together, about 3 minutes. Pour in broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Pour water into the sauce jar, swirl, and pour into the pot. Stir in soy sauce; bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until flavors intensify, about 30 minutes.
4
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a rapid simmer. Stir in macaroni; cook, stirring occasionally, until just barely tender, about 12 minutes. Check for doneness after 10 minutes.
5
Remove from the heat and discard bay leaves. Stir in Cheddar and parsley. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Taste and season as desired.