Picky Mike's Goulash

Satisfy even the pickiest eaters with "Picky Mike's Goulash," a comforting one-pot wonder brimming with hearty flavors and easy-to-love ingredients. This quick and family-friendly recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, savory sauce made from browned ground beef, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices like oregano, basil, and paprika. With minimal prep and just 30 minutes of cooking time, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Top it off with melty shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a flavorful finishing touch. Ideal for busy families or beginner cooks, this recipe delivers a satisfying and customizable comfort food experience that’s sure to please.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 15-ounce can canned tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute.

Step 2

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess grease if needed.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir thoroughly.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the goulash seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.

Step 9

Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1853.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2918.1

Total Fat 162.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 433.1mg	0%
Sodium 6438.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 219.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.8g	0%
Total Sugars 28.3g
Protein 146.3g	0%

Vitamin D 52.1IU	0%
Calcium 1086.8mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 3378.6mg	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: 49.9%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 30.1%