Old Fashioned Goulash

Title: Old-Fashioned Goulash

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (900g) ground beef
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
   • In a large Dutch oven or skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
   • Add chopped onions to the browned beef and sauté until the onions are translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Add Tomato Products:
   • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
4. Incorporate Seasonings:
   • Add dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, caraway seeds (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
5. Pour in Beef Broth:
   • Pour beef broth into the mixture and bring the goulash to a simmer.
6. Add Macaroni:
   • Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally.
7. Check Consistency:
   • If the goulash becomes too thick, you can add more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve:
   • Once the macaroni is cooked and the flavors melded, adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the old-fashioned goulash hot.
9. Optional Garnish:
   • If desired, top individual servings with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Time and Intensity:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes
• Intensity: Easy

Note: This Old-Fashioned Goulash is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni in a flavorful one-pot meal. The combination of spices adds depth to the dish, and you can customize it to suit your taste. Serve it as a wholesome family dinner, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of this classic goulash!