The Cozy American Goulash Recipe Everyone Will Love

Hearty American goulash brings comfort right to your dinner table with its rich, meaty flavors and nostalgic charm.

Memories of home-cooked meals flood back when you smell this classic dish simmering.

Tender beef chunks mingle with soft pasta and a robust tomato sauce that hugs every morsel.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet satisfying recipe passed down through generations.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in this one-pot wonder.

Humble yet delicious, this meal promises to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Dig into a bowl and savor every delectable spoonful of pure culinary comfort.

What Makes American Goulash So Comforting

• Speed Demon Cooking: A one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor without complicated techniques.
• Family Feast Creator: Perfect crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies different taste preferences with hearty ingredients everyone loves, making dinnertime stress-free.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and pantry staples, ensuring a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
• Comfort Food Champion: Warm, rich goulash provides nostalgic satisfaction with its classic American-style recipe that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate.

Ingredients For Classic American Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the goulash that provides rich meaty texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables add depth and subtle sweetness to the dish.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly captures the sauce and creates a comforting texture.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: These ingredients create a rich and savory sauce that brings moisture and depth to the goulash.

• Worcestershire Sauce, Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices and herbs provide complex and robust flavor to the entire dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Parsley: These add a creamy, tangy finish and a pop of fresh color to the goulash.

How To Cook Hearty American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a large pot and toss in the ground beef. Cook it over medium heat, breaking it apart and stirring until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown.

Make sure to drain off any extra fat to keep things light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Buddies

Toss in the chopped onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers.

Let these flavor makers dance around the pot for a few minutes until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their amazing aromas.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

Time to bring everything together!

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

Stir everything and let the mixture start bubbling gently.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Drop in the elbow macaroni and stir.

Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat. Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking.

The pasta will cook and soak up all those incredible flavors in about 12-15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Want extra comfort?

Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese right on top. Watch it melt into creamy deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley if you want a pop of color. Serve hot alongside crusty bread or a crisp side salad.

Your ultimate comfort meal is ready!

Tips For Delicious American Goulash Every Time

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent greasy texture and reduce unnecessary fat in the dish.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for healthier version without compromising rich flavor profile.
• Stir pasta frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce distribution.
• Skip bell peppers if you prefer simpler taste or have vegetable-sensitive family members.
• Add extra cheese on top for more indulgent and creamy goulash experience that kids will love.

Different Takes On American Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a hearty meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap elbow macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and substitute Italian seasoning with cumin and chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa. Ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.

What To Serve With American Goulash

• Comfort Corner Plate: Pair this hearty goulash with warm, buttered cornbread for a classic southern-style meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Weeknight Family Feast: Top each serving with extra shredded cheddar and crispy bacon bits to transform the dish into a kid-friendly crowd-pleaser.
• Elegant Dinner Upgrade: Serve in individual ramekins, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and add a side of crisp green salad for a restaurant-worthy presentation that elevates the humble goulash.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack cooled goulash in meal prep containers for a quick, satisfying lunch that reheats perfectly and tastes even better the next day.

Best Storage For American Goulash

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the goulash cools completely before sealing.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for maximum 3 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated goulash in microwave by placing in microwave-safe dish, covering with damp paper towel, and heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warm.
• When thawing frozen goulash, transfer to refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Is American Goulash the same as traditional Hungarian Goulash?

No, American Goulash is a simplified, one-pot version that differs from the traditional Hungarian stew. It uses ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, while Hungarian Goulash is a meat-based soup with chunks of beef and no pasta.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar to maintain the right pasta texture.

• How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Reduce or eliminate spices if children are sensitive to strong flavors. You can also add extra cheese or use milder seasonings to make it more appealing to younger palates.