Italian Goulash Recipe
Introduction
Italian Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, and tender pasta. This easy dish combines hearty flavors for a satisfying family dinner that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 cans (14.5 oz. each) stewed tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 lb medium shell pasta
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large sauce pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is fully browned. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Pour in the stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a low boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently.
- Step 4: While the sauce simmers, cook the medium shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Step 5: Mix the cooked pasta directly into the sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes into the sauce while simmering.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Leftover goulash tastes great reheated and can also be frozen for later meals.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Italian Goulash in advance?
Yes, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to serve.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Medium shell pasta is recommended because it holds the sauce well, but you can use elbow macaroni, penne, or any short pasta you prefer.
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Italian Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Italian Goulash is a hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef simmered with stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sautéed onions, green bell peppers, and garlic, combined with tender medium shell pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese. This comforting and flavorful dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 white onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Tomatoes and Sauce
- 4 cans (14.5 oz each) stewed tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz) tomato sauce
Pasta and Toppings
- 1 lb medium shell pasta
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large sauce pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pot with the vegetables. Stir frequently, breaking up the meat as it browns evenly. Once the beef is fully browned, season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the four cans of stewed tomatoes and the large can of tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook gently while you prepare the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the medium shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well once cooked.
- Combine and Serve: Mix the drained pasta into the sauce pot, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve the Italian Goulash hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use medium shell pasta to hold the sauce well.
- Simmering the sauce allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Parmesan cheese enhances the savory flavor and adds richness.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Italian Goulash, ground beef pasta, one-pot meal, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, hearty dinner, Italian comfort food
