American Goulash Recipe with Manwich Sauce
American Goulash with Manwich Sauce is a quick and hearty comfort food dish featuring ground beef, pasta, and cheese in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground chicken or turkey)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (15-ounce) Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape
- 2.5 cups water or beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
- 1 cup diced bell peppers or mushrooms optional, for added veggies
- chopped fresh parsley or green onions optional garnish
Instructions
- Start by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. If you’re adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, dice them now so they’re ready to go.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the browned beef. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. If using additional veggies, stir them in here and cook until slightly softened.
- Pour in the entire can of Manwich sauce along with 2 ½ cups of water or beef broth. Stir everything together until combined.
- Add the dry pasta directly into the sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure the pasta is covered by the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the goulash hot, topped with extra cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Dutch Oven
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of milk or cream when adding the cheese. Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 5 minutes. Use beef broth instead of water for richer flavor. Adjust Manwich sauce amount to your desired sauciness. Leftovers taste better the next day as flavors meld together.