Hearty American Goulash Recipe: A Comforting Classic

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

Memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with each savory bite.

Tender pasta mingles with rich, seasoned ground beef in a one-pot wonder that simplifies dinnertime.

Weeknight meals never looked so deliciously satisfying.

Simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen without complicated techniques or hours of preparation.

Busy home cooks will adore this classic dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Grab a spoon and get ready to experience a truly comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

What Matches With American Goulash

• Elevate with Red Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, savory flavors of the American goulash. The wine's robust character matches the hearty beef and tomato base perfectly.
• Crisp Salad Companion: Prepare a light, tangy green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp texture will balance the warm, comforting goulash and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Crusty Bread Side: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or a rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior will enhance the meal's overall texture and help you enjoy every last drop of the goulash.
• Cool and Creamy Finish: Top the goulash with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. The cool, creamy element will cut through the dish's richness and add a pleasant tang that brightens the entire meal.

Tasty Twists On American Goulash

• Spicy Southwest Goulash: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Add diced green chilies and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Goulash: Swap ground beef for ground lamb. Incorporate oregano, mint, and feta cheese. Mix in kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Goulash: Substitute ground beef with mixed mushrooms like portobello and shiitake. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add smoked paprika for depth.
• One-Pot Tex-Mex Goulash: Include corn kernels and black beans. Season with taco seasoning. Top with fresh cilantro and use monterey jack cheese for a southwestern spin.

American Goulash FAQ Sheet

• What makes American Goulash different from traditional Hungarian Goulash?

American Goulash is a one-pot meal with ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, unlike the traditional Hungarian version which is more of a beef stew with chunks of meat and lots of paprika.

• Can I use a different type of pasta if I don't have elbow macaroni?

Absolutely! You can substitute with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar to keep the pasta texture consistent.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Yes, American Goulash is a classic budget-friendly meal. It uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, making it perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.

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

Most kids love this dish because it’s cheesy and has familiar flavors. You can add a little less spice or let them sprinkle extra cheese on top to make it more appealing to young eaters.

Why American Goulash Is So Comforting

• Speed Up Dinner: This one-pot American goulash delivers a delicious meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need quick, satisfying comfort food.
• Effortless Cooking: Minimal prep work and simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing even novice cooks to create a hearty, flavorful dish with confidence.
• Kid-Approved Comfort: Packed with familiar ingredients like pasta, ground beef, and cheese, this goulash appeals to children and adults alike, making it an ideal family meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable, readily available ingredients like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and elbow macaroni, this recipe provides a filling meal that won't break the bank.

What Goes Into American Goulash

• Ground Beef: Rich meaty foundation that gives the goulash its hearty character. Choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Beef Broth: Adds deep savory flavor and helps cook the pasta. Low-sodium versions work best for controlling salt.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Create a flavor base with sweet and slightly sharp notes. Fresh, crisp vegetables provide better texture.
• Garlic: Provides intense, warm flavor depth. Fresh garlic cloves are more fragrant than pre-minced.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile. Freshly ground pepper offers more robust taste.
• Paprika: Signature spice that gives traditional goulash its warm, slightly smoky essence. Hungarian paprika recommended for authenticity.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds complexity. Dried herb mix works perfectly.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and deepens tomato flavor. Helps thicken the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide liquid base and chunky texture. Canned varieties are convenient and consistent.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, umami undertone. Enhances meat's richness.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that catches sauce well. Standard pasta works perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that adds creamy, sharp finish. Sharp cheddar provides more intense flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and preventing sticking. Extra virgin olive oil offers best flavor.

Steps To Make American Goulash

Step 1: Sizzle Flavor Foundations

In a robust cooking pot, warm olive oil over medium flame. Toss in chopped onions and vibrant bell peppers. Dance them around until they soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and let it whisper its aromatic magic for another minute.

Step 2: Transform Ground Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Italian herb blend
• Tomato paste

Stir everything to create a deeply flavored foundation.

Step 3: Craft Liquid Harmony

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce

Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to reach a gentle, rolling bubble.

Step 4: Welcome Pasta

Fold elbow macaroni into the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and let it dance on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes. Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cheese and Rest

Remove from heat. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt naturally. Allow the goulash to rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.

Serve hot and enjoy this classic Midwestern comfort meal!

Tips For Great American Goulash

• Customize Cheese Options: Swap cheddar with mozzarella, monterey jack, or parmesan for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Control Pasta Texture: Cook macaroni slightly less if you prefer a firmer bite, or add extra broth for softer pasta consistency.
• Reduce Sodium Smartly: Use low-sodium beef broth and tomato sauce to manage salt intake without compromising flavor depth.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare goulash in advance and reheat gently, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight in the refrigerator.
• Boost Vegetable Content: Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach during the sauce-building stage for increased veggie intake.

How To Store American Goulash Safely

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Your goulash will stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
• Cool the dish completely before transferring to a sealed container to prevent condensation and maintain optimal texture.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you label with the date for easy tracking.
• When ready to enjoy frozen goulash, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Avoid refreezing previously frozen goulash to maintain the best quality and food safety standards.

American Goulash Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty American Goulash brings nostalgic comfort straight from midwest kitchens, blending tender beef, robust tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. Hungry families will savor this classic one-pot wonder that promises delicious simplicity and satisfying warmth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious cooking vessel and warm olive oil over moderate temperature. Introduce diced onions and vibrant bell peppers, sautéing until they become translucent and tender. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture for a brief moment.
2. Introduce ground beef into the pot, breaking it into crumbly fragments. Cook thoroughly until the meat develops a rich, golden-brown exterior. Carefully eliminate excess rendered fat. Enhance the protein with a harmonious blend of seasonings: salt, black pepper, smoky paprika, fragrant Italian herbs, and concentrated tomato paste.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, chunky diced tomatoes, savory beef broth, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Thoroughly integrate all components, creating a robust and flavorful liquid base. Encourage the mixture to reach a gentle, bubbling simmer.
4. Gently fold elbow macaroni into the simmering sauce, ensuring each pasta piece becomes fully submerged. Secure the pot with a lid, reducing heat to a low setting. Allow the goulash to slowly cook, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from sticking, until the noodles reach a perfectly tender consistency.
5. Extinguish the heat source. If desired, fold in sharp cheddar cheese, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Allow the goulash to rest briefly, permitting the sauce to thicken and develop deeper flavors before serving.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting paprika and adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative that maintains the hearty texture.
• Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this recipe completely gluten-free while preserving the classic comfort food experience.
• Create a one-pot wonder by ensuring minimal stirring and maintaining consistent low-medium heat to prevent pasta from sticking or burning during the cooking process.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg