Description
Hearty Michael Symon American Goulash delivers comfort through rich beef and pasta perfection. Midwestern charm meets classic Hungarian inspiration, creating a soul-warming meal that brings families together around one delicious, generously seasoned skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (lb) / 454 grams lean ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large shallot or small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 15 ounces (oz) / 425 grams petite diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces (oz) / 425 grams tomato sauce
Herbs, Seasonings, and Liquid Ingredients:
- 8 shakes gluten free worcestershire sauce (approximately ½ tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon homemade seasoned salt
- 1 dash additional seasoned salt
- Pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1–½ cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup uncooked gluten free elbow noodles
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high temperature, adding minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, and ground beef. Crumble the meat thoroughly using a wooden spatula.
- Incorporate freshly ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and homemade seasoned salt. Continue cooking until the meat browns evenly and releases its natural juices.
- Introduce the remaining seasoned salt, diced tomatoes, crushed tomato sauce, Italian herb blend, and a single bay leaf. Elevate the heat to encourage rapid bubbling and flavor melding.
- Decrease the temperature to medium-low, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking for approximately 10 minutes.
- Gently fold in elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces or 226 grams), maintaining a soft simmer. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from clumping, cooking for 12 to 14 minutes until noodles reach perfect al dente tenderness.
- Reduce heat slightly during final cooking stages to maintain a delicate bubble. Remove the bay leaf and taste, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to preference.
Notes
- Skip fatty cuts and choose ground beef with less than 15% fat for a healthier meal.
- Crumble meat into small, uniform pieces while cooking to achieve perfect texture and consistent seasoning.
- Control salt intake by selecting reduced-sodium broth and canned tomatoes without added salt.
- Wooden utensils prevent scratching delicate cookware and distribute heat more evenly during browning.
- Drain excess fat after cooking to reduce unnecessary calories and improve overall dish nutrition.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate flavor profiles without adding extra sodium.
- Allow meat to rest briefly after cooking to help retain moisture and redistribute internal juices.
- Temperature matters: Brown ground beef over medium-high heat to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
- Gentle stirring prevents meat from becoming tough and ensures beautiful, tender protein texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg