American Goulash Recipe
If you’re craving the kind of comfort food that feels like a big, warm hug, American Goulash is ready to swoop in and save dinnertime! This dish is the definition of heartiness with its rich tomato-based sauce, perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a cheesy finish that’s optional but highly recommended. It’s a one-pot wonder ideal for hectic weeknights, meal-prep sessions, or whenever you want to treat your family to something truly satisfying. With classic flavors and a foolproof method, American Goulash always brings people together around the table—and it just might become your new favorite too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is one of those magical recipes where every ingredient counts, both for flavor and for creating that irresistible texture you associate with homemade goulash. Each simple pantry staple combines to make a dish greater than the sum of its parts—just a few minutes of prep, and you’ll have everything you need for a crowd-pleasing meal.
- Olive oil: Adds richness at the start for sautéeing the onions and infusing the whole dish with flavor.
- Yellow onion: Brings subtle sweetness and depth; dice it finely so it melts right into the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic always wakes up any savory dish and gives the sauce a fragrant lift.
- Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for maximum flavor and juiciness—you’ll brown and break it up for tender bites in every spoonful.
- Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the layered flavors without making things taste overly salty.
- Black pepper: A pinch of sharpness that really perks up the beef and sauce.
- Italian seasoning: An easy way to bring herby complexity—if you have a blend with oregano, basil, and thyme, that’s perfect!
- Tomato paste: Just a tablespoon adds concentrated flavor and richness, making the sauce taste like it simmered forever.
- Tomato sauce: Forms the saucy backbone of the dish, coating every noodle and meaty crumble.
- Diced tomatoes: These add texture and a little acidity, which keeps the goulash from being too heavy.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and makes the sauce extra savory—use a good quality broth for best results.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic choice! It soaks up all that delicious sauce and keeps its shape.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Stirring this in at the end makes everything ooey-gooey and extra comforting, but you can leave it out if you’d like.
- Fresh parsley: A little bright green for garnish never hurts—just snip some on top for freshness and color.
How to Make American Goulash
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming your olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and let it cook until it’s soft, fragrant, and starting to look translucent—about five minutes is just right. Then add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute more. The scent at this stage is reason enough to make American Goulash often!
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Seasonings
Now, add your ground beef straight into the pot. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning as the beef cooks. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces, and let it cook until it’s thoroughly browned and no pink remains. The seasonings will infuse the meat, setting a tasty baseline for everything to come.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Once your beef is browned, stir in the tomato paste and give it a little time to cook and meld with the meat. Then add in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer—this is where that goulash magic really starts to happen, with all those flavors coming together into a rich, savory sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni, giving it a good stir so every noodle is nestled in that flavorful sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking. When the macaroni is tender and the sauce is thickened to your liking, you’re nearly there!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, turn off the heat then sprinkle it over the goulash. Stir until it’s perfectly melty and luscious. Finish with fresh chopped parsley for a gorgeous pop of green. That’s it—your American Goulash is ready to be served up hot and hearty!
How to Serve American Goulash
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top just before serving doesn’t just look pretty—it adds a pop of bright flavor that keeps every bite tasting vibrant. If you love cheese, a handful of extra cheddar or even a dollop of sour cream are both delicious finishing touches that elevate each bowl of American Goulash.
Side Dishes
American Goulash is satisfying all by itself, but it’s also fabulous served alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or even steamed green beans. These sides add a little freshness and crunch to balance out those cozy, saucy noodles and beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn goulash night into something special by serving it in wide, shallow bowls for a rustic look, or set up a DIY toppings bar so everyone can add their favorite cheese, herbs, or even a touch of hot sauce. For a casual get-together, try spooning the goulash into individual ramekins topped with cheese and broiling until bubbly for extra pizazz!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover American Goulash will last for up to four days in an airtight container in your fridge. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it’s even more delicious the next day. Just let it cool a bit before storing to avoid condensation inside your container.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Cool the goulash completely, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and store for up to three months. If you want the noodles to stay perfectly al dente, undercook them slightly before freezing, as they’ll soften a touch when reheated.
Reheating
For best results, reheat American Goulash gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen things up. Heat just until warmed through—overheating can make the pasta mushy, so keep an eye on it!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for American Goulash, feel free to swap in any small, sturdy pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep an eye on the cook time so the noodles stay pleasantly tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely—just substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground “meat” or even lentils for a veggie-friendly version of American Goulash. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep all the flavors balanced and hearty.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach. Sauté the veggies along with the onion at the start to help them cook down and meld into the sauce for more nutrition and color.
What’s the best way to keep the pasta from overcooking?
Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and check the pasta a minute or two before the suggested time. The residual heat will continue to cook the noodles slightly even after turning off the burner.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales up perfectly—just use a large enough pot to handle all the ingredients and add a few extra minutes to the simmering time if needed. American Goulash is perfect for potlucks, parties, or feeding a hungry group!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the way American Goulash brings people together, filling your kitchen with savory aromas and your table with happy faces. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—whether it’s for a family dinner or just a comforting meal all to yourself. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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American Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful American Goulash recipe that is perfect for a satisfying family meal. This one-pot dish combines ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni, and cheese for a hearty and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
For the Goulash:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Goulash: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until beef is browned. Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add macaroni to the skillet and stir well. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, stir in shredded cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a heartier version, try adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
