American Goulash

Ingredients

• 1 lbground beef (85/15)$3.23
• 1 eachyellow onion, diced$0.56
• 2 eachgarlic cloves, minced$0.16
• 14.5 ozdiced tomatoes$1.02
• 8 oztomato sauce$0.56
• 1.5 cupbeef broth$0.45
• 1 tspItalian seasoning$0.01
• 0.75 tspkosher salt$0.01
• 0.25 tspblack pepper$0.02
• 1.5 cupelbow macaroni$0.60
• 1 cupcheddar cheese, shredded$1.97
• Total for 4 servings$8.59

Most of the cost is ground beef (85/15) ($3.23) and cheddar cheese, shredded ($1.97). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $7.56. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic cloves, and measure the spices, liquids, and dry elbow macaroni.
2. Heat a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and yellow onion, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned with no pink remaining (at least 160°F/71°C) and the onions are soft.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Carefully drain off any excess rendered grease from the pan.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
5. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6. Remove the pan from the heat. Scatter the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, replace the lid, and let stand for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
7. Stir the melted cheese into the goulash if desired or leave it layered on top, and ladle into warm bowls to serve.