Description
A hearty, comforting skillet dish that blends classic American flavors with a touch of Hungarian-inspired goulash. Ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese come together in a one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup dry elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 30 seconds.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and brown until fully cooked.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, fire roasted diced tomatoes, water, and bay leaf, then bring to a simmer.
- Add the elbow macaroni, stirring to coat, and cover.
- Cook for 10‑12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the bay leaf, then fold in the shredded Cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Notes
For extra depth, add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: ground beef,goulash,pasta,comfort food,one‑pot