"My Kids Favorite Goulash" is the ultimate comfort food that brings big flavor with minimal effort, making it a go-to dinner for busy weeknights! Featuring tender elbow macaroni simmered in a savory tomato-beef broth infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika, this hearty one-pot dish is elevated with melted cheddar cheese for creamy goodness in every bite. With ingredients like soy sauce and diced tomatoes adding a rich depth of flavor, this recipe is a kid-approved classic that takes just 30 minutes to make. Serve it piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color, alongside a crisp salad or warm bread for a crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for families searching for quick, cozy, and flavorful dinner ideas!
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy this warm, kid-friendly goulash with your favorite side salad or bread.
Calories |
2540 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 129.2 g | 166% | |
| Saturated Fat | 57.2 g | 286% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 441 mg | 147% | |
| Sodium | 4066 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 204.3 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.1 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.3 g | ||
| Protein | 147.4 g | 295% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1105 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 20.8 mg | 116% | |
| Potassium | 2521 mg | 54% | |
*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.