Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! Elbows are classic, but shells, rotini, or even penne work great—just keep an eye on the clock. Different shapes cook at slightly different speeds (those thick penne walls need an extra minute or two). Do the bite test early and often—al dente is the goal, not mushy pasta confetti!

Only if you make it that way! Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free elbows (I like the rice-based ones—they don’t turn to glue). Just remember: GF pasta goes from perfect to overcooked FAST, so check it a minute early. Everything else in the recipe is naturally GF—happy dance!

Can I add vegetables?

Please do! I often toss in chopped zucchini or mushrooms when I’m feeling virtuous—just sauté them with the onions so they soften. Frozen peas? Stir them in during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Spinach? Fold it in right before serving (it wilts instantly). More veggies = more opportunities to say “See? Dinner is healthy!”

Irresistible 30-Minute American Goulash Your Family Craves

Name: Easy American Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 cup beef broth; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Easy American Goulash

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A cozy one-pot dinner with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
Add elbow macaroni and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
Top with shredded cheese, cover, and let melt before serving.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for less grease.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for meal prep.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/easy-american-goulash-recipe/