The Best American Goulash Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty American goulash that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this one-pot wonder.

Savory beef mingles with tender pasta in a rich tomato sauce that warms you from the inside out.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier with this simple, soul-satisfying meal.

Pantry staples come together in a magical blend of flavor and nostalgia.

Curious souls will find this recipe both incredibly straightforward and deeply delicious.

Dig into a bowl of pure, unpretentious comfort that connects you to classic American home cooking.

Reasons to Love American Goulash Recipe

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying hungry families and busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps like ground turkey or different cheese varieties, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and pantry contents.
• Speed Kitchen Hero: Quick preparation and cooking process means you can transform basic ingredients into a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes, ideal for weeknight dinners when time is short.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kid-approved meal that combines familiar ingredients like pasta and ground beef, ensuring even picky eaters will clean their plates with enthusiasm and joy.

Ingredients for American Goulash Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the goulash.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: These classic ingredients provide a robust and savory foundation for the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: These create a smooth and tangy base for the goulash.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These spices bring warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Bay Leaf: Provides a subtle herbal undertone to the goulash.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that absorbs the sauce and adds heartiness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional ingredient that adds creamy richness when melted into the goulash.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh note and visual appeal to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking.

How to Prepare American Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper.

Saute the vegetables until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles.

Continue cooking until the meat turns a rich brown color. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 3: Create the Robust Sauce

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

Stir everything together to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop Flavor

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and intensify the overall taste.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce.

Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the delicious sauce as it cooks.

Step 6: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Remove the bay leaf. If desired, stir in shredded cheddar cheese to add a creamy, rich dimension to the goulash.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the goulash piping hot and watch everyone dig in with enthusiasm.

Helpful Tips for American Goulash Recipe

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish healthier.
• Add extra paprika for a deeper, more authentic Hungarian-style flavor profile.
• Replace elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make the goulash suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy slightly spicy dishes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain pasta's texture.

Flavor Variations for American Goulash Recipe

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.

Suggested Pairings for American Goulash Recipe

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty goulash with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add a fresh crunch to your meal.
• Cheesy Bread Boost: Serve alongside garlic toast or warm cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and create a more filling dinner experience.
• One-Pot Wonder Plating: Present the goulash in individual rustic bowls, topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs, making it both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the pot at the center of the table, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the communal, home-cooked feel of this classic American dish.

Best Storage for American Goulash Recipe

• Refrigerate leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the dish sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• What ingredients make American Goulash different from traditional Hungarian Goulash?

American Goulash uses ground beef, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni, while traditional Hungarian Goulash is a beef stew with chunks of meat and typically does not include pasta.

• Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?

Yes, this American Goulash is a complete one-pot meal that combines protein, pasta, and vegetables in a single pot, making it convenient and easy to prepare with minimal cleanup.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Hearty American Goulash Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic American goulash blends hearty ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni into a comforting one-pot meal. Midwestern home cooks love this simple, satisfying dish that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 pounds ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 large onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 green bell pepper

Pantry Ingredients:

• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, introducing diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped bell peppers. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Incorporate ground beef into the vegetable mixture, breaking meat into fine crumbles while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
3. Pour tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, ground black pepper, and bay leaf into the pot. Blend ingredients thoroughly.
4. Escalate heat to create a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Allow mixture to develop flavors for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically.
5. Introduce uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce, ensuring pasta is fully submerged. Cover pot and maintain low heat, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
6. Cook pasta until tender and sauce has slightly thickened, approximately 12-15 minutes. Test pasta for desired consistency.
7. Extract bay leaf from the mixture and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and integrated.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, serving immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the classic dish.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
• Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make the goulash suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian adaptation that maintains the hearty texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg