The Best American Goulash Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty american goulash that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Rich ground beef mingles with tender pasta in a robust tomato sauce that speaks volumes about classic home cooking.

Every bite carries the nostalgic essence of traditional midwestern meals.

The simple ingredients create a symphony of flavors that dance effortlessly across your palate.

This one-pot wonder comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating the first delicious spoonful of this timeless dish.

Goulash Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic American comfort dish.

• Onions, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory flavor to the goulash.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: These create a rich, flavorful sauce that helps cook the pasta and bind the ingredients together.

• Elbow Macaroni: A traditional pasta shape that absorbs the sauce and provides a satisfying texture.

• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Bay Leaf, Salt, Pepper: These spices and herbs enhance the overall taste profile of the goulash.

• Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Parsley: These add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Cooking Instructions For Goulash

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

In a spacious pot or Dutch oven, sizzle the ground beef over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish lean and flavorful.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften for 3-4 minutes.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that signals deliciousness is on the way.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

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

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop depth.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it’s well-coated with the saucy mixture.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Step 5: Final Touches

Pluck out the bay leaf and taste the goulash.

Adjust the seasoning if needed, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the steaming goulash into bowls.

Optional but delightful: sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Tips For Hearty Goulash

• Remove as much fat as possible from the ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner, more robust flavor profile.
• Select lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best balance of flavor and reduced excess fat.
• Stir the macaroni frequently during cooking to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Let the hot goulash sit for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to help it melt smoothly and create a creamy texture.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, and reheat gently with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.

Goulash Flavor Mix-Ins

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Goulash: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican Goulash: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder for a southwestern kick, using pepper jack cheese as a topping.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate diced bell peppers, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for oregano and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Serving American Goulash

• Hearty Family Dinner Companion: Pair this classic goulash with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Comfort Food Sidekick: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or glazed carrots to add extra nutrition and color to your plate.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or try a blend of monterey jack and parmesan for a richer, more complex cheesy topping that elevates the entire dish.
• Leftovers Transformation: Reheat goulash the next day and use as a delicious pasta sauce or stuff into bell peppers for a quick and easy second-night meal that feels totally different.

Keeping Goulash Fresh

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring tight sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Place single serving in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Pour goulash into saucepan, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• What makes American Goulash different from traditional Hungarian Goulash?

American Goulash is a simplified, one-pot pasta dish with ground beef and tomato sauce, while Hungarian Goulash is a beef stew with chunks of meat and no pasta.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Elbow macaroni works best, but you can substitute with similar short pasta like shells or rotini that will cook evenly in the sauce.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, American Goulash is an economical meal using affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, making it perfect for feeding a family on a budget.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! American Goulash reheats well and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop and blend together.

American Goulash: Classic Flavor Intro

• Quick and Hearty Meal: Enjoy a satisfying one-pot wonder that delivers rich, comforting flavors without complicated cooking techniques.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Whip up a delicious dinner using simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master with confidence.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Delight the whole family with a classic recipe featuring familiar ingredients like beef, pasta, and cheese that everyone loves.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner Solution: Create a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget while providing substantial nutrition and incredible taste.

American Goulash Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Midwestern comfort shines through this classic American Goulash, blending robust beef, tender macaroni, and rich tomato sauce into a soul-warming one-pot marvel. Savory spices and simple ingredients create a nostalgic meal that connects generations around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
• 2 cups beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta and Sauce:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper

Optional Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious pot over medium flame and transform ground beef into a rich, caramelized texture, carefully discarding surplus fat.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and aromatic garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in vibrant diced tomatoes, robust tomato sauce, savory beef broth, and a medley of seasonings including paprika, Italian herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop complex flavors.
4. Incorporate uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering liquid, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution and prevent pasta from sticking.
5. Cover the pot and let the goulash cook for 12-15 minutes, periodically stirring to maintain consistent texture and prevent burning, until pasta reaches perfect al dente tenderness.
6. Extract the bay leaf and conduct a final taste assessment, adjusting seasonings to elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.
7. Plate the steaming goulash and optionally crown with sharp shredded cheddar cheese and freshly chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
• Use whole wheat macaroni for a more nutritious twist that adds extra fiber to the meal.
• Try different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to elevate the flavor profile and create unique taste combinations.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta alternatives like brown rice or chickpea pasta.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg