Hearty American Goulash Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Hearty and comforting, this American goulash brings together a symphony of flavors that dance on your plate.

Pasta shells nestle among tender ground beef in a rich tomato sauce.

Midwestern kitchens have long celebrated this classic one-pot wonder.

Memories of childhood dinners flood back with each savory bite.

Pantry staples combine to create a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal effort.

You’ll want to grab a spoon and dig into this satisfying dish that promises pure comfort.

Prepare to be transported by a recipe that speaks directly to your soul.

FAQs

• Is American Goulash the same as Hungarian Goulash?

No, they’re quite different. American Goulash is a pasta-based one-pot meal with ground beef, while Hungarian Goulash is a hearty meat stew with chunks of beef and more paprika.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess fat after cooking.

• Do I need to pre-cook the pasta for this recipe?

No, the uncooked elbow macaroni cooks directly in the sauce, which helps it absorb more flavor and makes the dish easier to prepare. The pasta will cook perfectly during the simmering process.

Traditional American Goulash

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal.
• Customize Your Comfort: Versatile recipe allows easy ingredient swaps or additions, letting home cooks personalize the dish to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that transform simple pantry staples into a delicious dinner without breaking the bank.
• Kid-Approved Delight: Crowd-pleasing meal that combines familiar flavors kids love, making dinnertime stress-free and enjoyable for parents and children alike.

Ingredients for American Goulash

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that provides rich flavor and hearty texture to the American goulash.
• Onions: These add depth and sweetness to the meat base while enhancing the overall savory profile.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich base for the goulash sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bright tomato flavor to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the goulash.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a tangy and complex umami flavor to the recipe.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These spices and herbs create a well-balanced and traditional goulash flavor profile.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta that absorbs the sauce and provides a comforting texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: An optional topping that adds creamy richness and extra flavor to the goulash.

How to Cook American Goulash

Step 1: Brown The Meat And Onions

In a large pot or skillet, combine ground beef and diced onions.

Cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally.

Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and onions turn soft and translucent.

Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Awaken The Garlic

Add minced garlic to the meat mixture.

Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and allow the garlic to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine and blend the flavors.

Step 4: Introduce The Pasta

Bring the sauce to a rolling boil, then add uncooked elbow macaroni.

Stir to ensure pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce.

Step 5: Simmer And Develop Richness

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer.

Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender while the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Optional Cheesy Finish

For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the goulash just before serving.

The residual heat will melt the cheese, creating a creamy and luxurious topping.

Tips for Tasty American Goulash

• Opt for high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content to enhance the richness and depth of the goulash.
• Stir the macaroni occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even pasta texture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different paprika varieties like smoked or hot paprika to add a unique, complex flavor profile to the traditional recipe.
• Let the goulash rest for a few minutes after adding cheese to help it melt smoothly and create a creamy, integrated texture.
• This goulash tastes even better the next day, so make a larger batch and enjoy delicious leftovers with enhanced flavors.

Variations to Change Up American Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, use vegetable broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• One-Pot Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate diced bell peppers, use orzo pasta, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation.

Serving Ideas for American Goulash

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the goulash in deep ceramic bowls that showcase its rich, hearty texture and keep the meal warm during dinner.
• Cheesy Topping Paradise: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese on top, letting it slightly melt and create delicious golden strings that add creamy excitement to each bite.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Chop fresh parsley or chives and scatter them over the goulash for a bright pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Side Companion Delight: Pair with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the robust flavors and add a refreshing contrast to the main dish.

Storing American Goulash Properly

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Transfer goulash to skillet, add splash of beef broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely and sauce reaches desired consistency.

American Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty american goulash showcases comforting midwestern flavors with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. Rich pasta dishes welcome home cooks seeking simple, satisfying meals you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (473 milliliters) elbow macaroni
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, sautéing ground beef and onions until meat turns golden brown and vegetables become translucent. Eliminate excess grease.
2. Introduce minced garlic and allow aromatics to develop for approximately 60-90 seconds.
3. Incorporate tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian herb blend, seasoning, and ground black pepper. Blend thoroughly.
4. Allow liquid mixture to reach a robust boil, then gently fold in raw elbow macaroni.
5. Reduce temperature to low, cover the pot, and let the goulash simmer for 15-18 minutes. Monitor pasta tenderness and sauce consistency, ensuring noodles are perfectly cooked and liquid reduces.
6. Optional enhancement: Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese across the top moments before serving, creating a rich, melted layer that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels, making the goulash more diet-friendly.
• Experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for alternative dietary needs without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg