Basic Ground Beef American Goulash - a quick and easy ground beef, macaroni and tomato skillet meal. Stir in 1/2 cup of cubed Velveeta for a cheesy version.

Basic Ground Beef American Goulash

This recipe is a basic American goulash - one of those easy to throw together, I'm in a hurry and need to feed my family quick skillet meals, sort of akin to a simple homemade Hamburger Helper meal, really. Hey, while you're here, be sure to pop by to see my "Deep South" version of goulash! Just click the link to go there.

Here's how to make the basic version.

Recipe: Basic Ground Beef American Goulash

©From the Kitchen of Deep South Dish

Prep time: 15 min |Cook time: 25 min |

Yield: About 4 to 6 servings

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Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups of dry elbow macaroni
• 1-1/2 pounds of ground chuck
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt (like Lawry's)
• 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama), or to taste, optional
• 2 small bay leaves
• 1 (8 ounce) tomato sauce
• Pinch of granulated sugar, optional
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans of diced tomatoes, undrained
• Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

Cook the macaroni according to the package directions for al dente. Reserve two cups of the pasta water; drain macaroni and set aside. Meanwhile, using a lidded skillet, saute the ground beef uncovered until done; drain off any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic and continue sauteing about 5 minutes. Add the Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and bay leaves; blend. Add the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes and sugar, scraping up any browned bits in the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the cooked, drained macaroni, and stir in enough of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen; continue to simmer until pasta is warmed through, adding additional pasta water as needed. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired, stir, remove from heat, discard bay leaves and serve immediately.

Cook's Notes: For a cheesy variation, cube 1/2 cup of Velveeta and stir in just before serving, until melted and creamy.

Chili Mac: Add up to 2-1/2 tablespoons of chili powder (or to taste) and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin to the recipe. Stir in 1/2 cup of Velveeta (or shredded cheddar) as noted above, topping with another 1/2 cup. Cover and cook over low until cheese melts. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh diced tomatoes, sour cream or your other favorite chili toppings.

Source: http://deepsouthdish.com

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Posted by Mary on December 7, 2008

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