AMERICAN GOULASH

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American Goulash Recipe – Easy One-Pot Comfort Food

This American Goulash is a hearty, comforting, and easy one-pot dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and simple pantry spices. It's the kind of classic family meal that's filling, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Unlike Hungarian goulash, American goulash is a simple ground beef and pasta dish. The combination of savory beef, tomato sauce, tender macaroni, and melted cheese creates an incredibly satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Best of all, everything comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner.

Why You'll Love This American Goulash

  • Easy one-pot meal: Everything cooks together in one pot.
  • Quick dinner: It's perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients create a hearty meal.
  • Family-friendly: Ground beef and pasta are always a winning combination.
  • Comforting and filling: Every serving is packed with tender pasta and flavorful beef.
  • Easy to customize: Add vegetables, cheese, or extra seasonings to make it your own.

Ingredients for American Goulash

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional

How to Make American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink.

If there is a large amount of excess grease, carefully drain it before continuing.

Step 2: Cook the Onion

Add the diced onion to the cooked beef.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Add the Beef Broth

Pour in the beef broth and stir.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Add the Macaroni

Stir the elbow macaroni directly into the simmering tomato and beef mixture.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot partially.

Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Step 7: Check the Pasta

Continue cooking until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed some of the flavorful sauce.

If the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is completely cooked, add a small amount of beef broth or water.

Step 8: Add the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat.

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if using.

Allow it to melt into the hot goulash, creating an extra creamy and cheesy finish.

Step 9: Serve

Let the goulash rest for a few minutes before serving.

Spoon into bowls and top with additional shredded cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

What Is American Goulash?

American Goulash is a classic American comfort food made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings.

Although the name is similar to Hungarian goulash, the two dishes are quite different. American goulash is typically a simple one-pot combination of beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, while traditional Hungarian goulash is a slow-cooked meat stew strongly associated with paprika.

Tips for the Best American Goulash

  • Use lean or moderately lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni.
  • Stir the pot occasionally while the pasta cooks.
  • Add a little extra broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
  • Let the goulash rest for a few minutes before serving.
  • Add cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish.
  • Taste before serving and adjust the salt and seasonings as needed.

How to Make American Goulash More Flavorful

The secret to flavorful goulash is building layers of flavor. Brown the beef well, cook the onion until tender, and add garlic before incorporating the tomatoes and seasonings.

Worcestershire sauce adds savory depth, while paprika and Italian seasoning complement the tomato-based sauce.

For an even richer flavor, you can use a combination of beef broth and tomato sauce rather than cooking the pasta in plain water.

American Goulash Variations

Cheesy American Goulash

Stir shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack into the finished goulash for a creamy, cheesy dinner.

Spicy Goulash

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Vegetable Goulash

Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for extra vegetables and flavor.

Italian-Style Goulash

Add extra Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil for an Italian-inspired variation.

Beef and Bean Goulash

Stir in drained kidney beans or black beans for an even heartier meal.

What to Serve With American Goulash

American goulash is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple side dishes.

  • Garlic bread
  • Green salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Steamed green beans
  • Coleslaw
  • Buttered dinner rolls
  • Steamed broccoli

Can You Make American Goulash Ahead of Time?

Yes. American goulash is an excellent make-ahead meal.

Prepare it as directed, allow it to cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water because the macaroni will continue absorbing the sauce as it sits.

How to Store American Goulash

Allow leftover goulash to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate promptly and enjoy the leftovers within several days.

Can You Freeze American Goulash?

Yes, although the pasta may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.

For best results, allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Reheat Goulash

Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add a splash of beef broth or water and stir occasionally until heated through.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

Why Is My Goulash Too Thick?

Macaroni continues to absorb liquid as it sits, so leftover goulash often becomes thicker.

Simply add a little beef broth, water, or tomato sauce while reheating until the desired consistency is reached.

Why Is My Goulash Watery?

If your goulash is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes. The excess liquid will evaporate and the sauce will thicken.

Remember that the pasta also absorbs some of the liquid as it cooks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef. The flavor will be slightly lighter, but the recipe will still be delicious.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. Small pasta shapes such as shells, rotini, or small penne can work. Adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed.

Can I make American goulash without cheese?

Absolutely. Cheese is optional and can simply be left out.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, corn, and spinach are all good additions.

Is American goulash spicy?

Traditional American goulash is generally mild. You can easily add chili flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy version.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, but pasta is best added toward the end of cooking so it doesn't become overly soft. For the easiest texture, cooking the complete recipe on the stovetop is recommended.

Final Thoughts

This American Goulash Recipe is everything you want in a comforting family dinner: hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of savory flavor.

It's inexpensive, easy to prepare, and made in one pot, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Serve it with warm garlic bread or a simple salad, and you've got a satisfying homemade meal the whole family will love.

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