Cooking With Beer, Whiskey and Spirits

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or stew beef, cubed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if using stew beef)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika (or cayenne for a bit of heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground beef or stew beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes if using ground beef). Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Simmer the Goulash:
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beef to tenderize.
5. Cook the Pasta:
   • Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and stir to combine.
   • Cover and let simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of water or broth if it becomes too thick.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

This Beef Goulash is a one-pot meal that’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners. Enjoy with crusty bread on the side!