Mom's Cheap and Easy Goulash

Warm, hearty, and budget-friendly, Mom's Cheap and Easy Goulash is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. This one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, savory diced tomatoes, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni in a robust tomato and beef broth base, all seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a splash of soy sauce for a unique twist. Ready in just 40 minutes, this family-friendly dish is as simple as it is satisfying. Top it off with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for an extra layer of indulgence, and pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a meal that feels both nostalgic and nourishing. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s an easy, affordable, and downright delicious dinner solution.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, for topping)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2

Add the diced onion to the pot with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3

Pour in the beef broth, canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.

Step 4

Season the mixture with soy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the elbow macaroni and stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

Step 6

Cover the pot and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.

Step 8

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite bread or a simple salad on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2624.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2824.0

Total Fat 152.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 436.9mg	0%
Sodium 7884.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 213.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.2g	0%
Total Sugars 43.8g
Protein 153.3g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1207.7mg	0%
Iron 22.8mg	0%
Potassium 3344.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 30.1%