American Goulash Recipe
American Goulash is the kind of homey, all-in-one skillet dinner that instantly takes you back to simpler times. Picture tender elbow macaroni and juicy ground beef cozied up together in a tangy, savory tomato sauce, all simmering to comforting perfection. This hearty classic is beloved across generations for its unbeatable combination of ease, flavor, and budget-friendliness—you only need a handful of pantry staples to create a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you grew up eating it at Grandma’s table or you’re discovering it for the first time, American Goulash is the ultimate weeknight hero that will never go out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of American Goulash lies in its unfussy, practical lineup of ingredients. Each one plays its part in building the hearty flavors and ultra-cozy texture you crave—don’t skip the little touches! From robust spices to melty cheese (if you wish), these staples never fail to deliver pure comfort.
- Ground beef: Rich and flavorful, ground beef is the classic foundation for American Goulash—feel free to swap in turkey or pork if you like.
- Olive oil: Use just a bit if your beef is very lean, to keep everything juicy and prevent sticking.
- Onion: Diced onion lends sweetness and depth to the base of your goulash, so don’t skimp on sautéing it!
- Garlic: A generous spoonful of minced garlic infuses the sauce with classic savoriness.
- Italian seasoning: This fragrant blend gives all the comfort food vibes and ties all the flavors neatly together.
- Smoked paprika: Just a half teaspoon adds warmth and a subtle smoky edge to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, essential seasonings that bring the whole skillet to life.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor boosts the body and richness of your sauce.
- Tomato sauce: The base of our signature, tangy red sauce—choose your favorite brand.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds texture and brightness; canned fire-roasted also works beautifully.
- Beef broth: Deepens the flavor and keeps the pasta saucy as it cooks.
- Worcestershire sauce: A dash for savory depth—don’t leave it out!
- Elbow macaroni: This classic pasta shape soaks up the sauce effortlessly in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into the hot pasta, turning everything creamy and irresistible if you choose to add it.
- Chopped parsley: A sprinkle at the end makes for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Make American Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by setting a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it sizzles. Cook until browned and no pink remains. If your beef gives off a lot of fat, drain off the excess, leaving just enough for flavor. This step lays the savory, meaty foundation that makes American Goulash so satisfying!
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Toss in your diced onion and let it soften for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, and stir for another minute—don’t rush this part, as sautéing unlocks the best flavor in both ingredients. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 3: Spice Things Up
Time to season! Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to coat the beef and onions evenly with the spices and paste. This is where American Goulash gets its rich, savory flavor and gorgeous color.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce will start melding into something deeply tasty at this point.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the noodles are evenly submerged in the saucy mixture. Cover and let everything simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to give it a good stir now and then to keep the pasta from sticking—by the end, the macaroni should be tender and the sauce deliciously thickened.
Step 6: Cheese It Up (Optional)
If you’re a cheese fan, go ahead and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar just before serving. Stir until the cheese is melted, making your American Goulash extra creamy and decadent. Trust me, this takes the comfort factor off the charts!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, spoon your goulash into bowls and top with a flourish of chopped parsley. That little pop of green is simple but makes every serving inviting and fresh.
How to Serve American Goulash
Garnishes
Bright green parsley is the classic finishing touch for American Goulash, but you can also try a sprinkle of chives or sliced scallions for a bit of bite. If you’re feeling indulgent, a light dusting of extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream is hard to resist, especially if you like your goulash a little creamy.
Side Dishes
This dish packs a hearty punch on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some pillowy dinner rolls for scooping up every bit of sauce. Garlic bread is another classic pick—perfect for mopping up that savory tomato goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve American Goulash in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for extra charm at casual gatherings. For lunchboxes or meal prep, ladle portions into mason jars to take on-the-go. Feeling playful? Pile it over creamy mashed potatoes or use it as a filling for bell pepper boats—it’s a crowd-pleaser however you dish it up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extra American Goulash to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta may soak up more of the sauce as it sits, making each bite even richer and more flavorful the next day.
Freezing
American Goulash freezes well, making it a smart choice for meal prepping. Cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your goulash gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen things up if the sauce has thickened. Microwave reheating also works—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until hot throughout.
FAQs
What makes American Goulash different from traditional Hungarian goulash?
While Hungarian goulash is more of a slow-cooked beef stew loaded with paprika and often potatoes, American Goulash is a quick, one-pot pasta dish with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni. It’s uniquely American, hearty, and super weeknight-friendly!
Can I make American Goulash gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the traditional elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Check the labels on your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you’re all set to enjoy this classic comfort without the gluten.
How can I add more veggies to my goulash?
Feel free to get creative! Add in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the onions, or stir in a couple of handfuls of spinach or kale at the very end. It’s a fantastic way to add color and nutrition to your American Goulash.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the cheddar cheese at the end or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce is full of flavor on its own, so cheese is totally optional and American Goulash remains delicious even without it!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply use a larger Dutch oven or pot and double every ingredient. You might need to add a few extra minutes to let the bigger batch of pasta cook through, but this dish scales up beautifully for potlucks or family gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that perfect, no-fuss dinner that brings everyone running to the table, this American Goulash is your answer. It’s comfort food at its finest, loaded with nostalgia and guaranteed to please a crowd. Give it a try—you just might find a new family favorite to add to your weekly rotation!
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American Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting American Goulash recipe that is easy to make on the stovetop. This one-pot meal features ground beef, macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, topped with optional melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and sauté until softened, then stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring to a simmer, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in cheese if using, until melted. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or pork for the beef.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
