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

Scale

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