Chef Johns American Goulash

One of my all-time favorite comfort food meals growing up was the beef goulash they served in my school cafeteria alongside a slice of buttered white bread and a carton of milk. Little did I know that it wasn’t really goulash, but an Americanized version, invented to stretch a small amount of beef into enough food for a not-so-small family. This is one of those very simple dishes that does not taste simple–perfect for your weeknight dinner rotation.

Step: 1

Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and ground beef. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces, until browned, about 5 minutes. Cook and stir until liquid is evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes more. Add garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves.

Step: 2

Cook and stir until flavors come together, about 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce. Rinse out the jar with 1 cup water and pour into the pot. Add soy sauce, stir, and bring soup to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and simmer to let flavors intensify, about 30 minutes.

Step: 3

Increase heat to medium-high and bring soup to a simmer. Add macaroni; simmer, stirring occasionally, until just barely tender, about 12 minutes. Check for doneness after 10 minutes.

Step: 4

Remove goulash from heat. Discard bay leaves; stir in parsley and Cheddar cheese. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Taste and season as desired.

Per Serving: 336 calories; protein 18.9g; carbohydrates 25.1g; fat 17.3g; cholesterol 58.1mg; sodium 1168.9mg.

Prepare your meal in advance can be best to feel enjoyable that you do it with your favorite music in the yard , a soothing beverage of choice or even a partner. It is helpful to write every step you fell right to create the meal , which may include everything from your tools and utensils to your processing menu . Make sure to checkdown the ingredients in order , so as not to leave it . A handwritten list is typically best.

Bought the right cooking tools is just as important as having the right dishes menu . This includes all of from pots, pans, bowls and tools that needed to those essential items that are easy to forget, like as parchment paper and foil. Items like squeeze bottles for adding the perfect drizzle or sprinkle items to your dish and long tweezers to arrange smaller and thinner dish are a must-have for any home chef.