There’s nothing quite like a steaming, savory bowl of American Goulash Recipe to remind you of home, warmth, and pure comfort. This beloved one-pot classic blends tender ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce with just the right touch of seasoning—it’s a recipe that’s deliciously simple, totally forgiving, and guaranteed to satisfy a hungry crowd. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday, this dish delivers all the hearty flavors you crave without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this American Goulash Recipe truly shine is how every ingredient plays its part—from plush pasta to velvety tomato sauce, even the humble onion and garlic step up to create layers of flavor. Gather these pantry staples and fridge favorites, and you’re halfway to dinner bliss.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the aromatics release their flavors.
- Yellow Onion (diced): Brings a sweet, savory base to the entire pot.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with bold, unmistakable aroma and depth.
- Ground Beef: A classic protein choice, hearty and filling for a true comfort meal.
- Salt: Balances flavors and brings out the natural taste of the beef and veggies.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right hint of heat without overwhelming the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning: Gives the sauce its herby backbone, echoing those beloved American-Italian flavors.
- Paprika: Delivers warmth, color, and a subtle smoky note.
- Tomato Paste: Enriches the sauce with concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the mixture.
- Tomato Sauce: Creates a luscious, saucy base for the pasta to soak up.
- Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Provide texture and a tangy tomato punch throughout every bite.
- Beef Broth or Water: Helps cook the pasta and infuses the dish with extra savory depth.
- Elbow Macaroni (uncooked): The traditional pasta of choice—these little tubes hold sauce perfectly.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional for topping): Melts into creamy bliss on each serving, if you like it cheesy!
- Chopped Parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of freshness and color on top to finish.
How to Make American Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it turns soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds. That inviting aroma will signal you’re building the perfect flavor base for your American Goulash Recipe.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink—this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it off. Season the beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, stirring well so every bite is full of bold flavor.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute. This step helps the paste caramelize and brings out a richer, deeper tomato flavor. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth or water. Stir everything together and let it come to a gentle boil—your kitchen should already smell fantastic.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to a simmer, then cover your pot. Let the American Goulash Recipe cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. The pasta should be just tender and have soaked up plenty of saucy goodness. Nearly done!
Step 5: Cheese It Up (Optional)
If you’re a cheese lover, now’s your time to shine. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar. The residual heat will melt it into creamy ribbons, making every bite even more irresistible. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can mingle perfectly.
How to Serve American Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley transforms each bowl into something as pretty as it is tasty. For an added layer, a dusting of extra cheddar cheese or a pinch of cracked black pepper makes it feel even more special. Don’t be afraid to get creative—chopped scallions or a drizzle of hot sauce can also work wonders on your American Goulash Recipe.
Side Dishes
This stew-like pasta holds its own as a main course, but it loves company! A slice of crusty bread or a buttered dinner roll is ideal for mopping up every last drop. For balance, a simple green salad dressed in a bright vinaigrette works beautifully, or try serving with steamed green beans or roasted veggies for extra comfort and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace the fun side of weeknight dinners by serving your American Goulash Recipe in individual ramekins or bread bowls for a playful twist. For cozy family-style meals, pile it high in a big casserole dish and broil the cheese on top for a bubbly finish. Kids adore it served with colorful veggie toppings or crunchy fried onions as a highlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover American Goulash Recipe stores beautifully and is arguably even tastier the next day as the flavors mingle. Let it cool to room temperature, then spoon it into airtight containers. Pop it in the fridge for up to 4 days, making lunch or a quick dinner delightfully easy.
Freezing
One of the best things about making a big batch of American Goulash Recipe is how well it freezes. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour your goulash into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat, splashing in a little water or broth if it’s thickened too much. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I make this American Goulash Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative for a creamy finish that’s suitable for all.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Elbow macaroni is classic for American Goulash Recipe, but you can swap in other small shapes like shells or rotini. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as it may vary slightly.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work brilliantly and lighten up the dish a bit without sacrificing flavor. You might want to add a splash more oil if your meat is especially lean.
How can I add more veggies?
It’s easy to bulk up your American Goulash Recipe with veggies—diced bell peppers, mushrooms, grated carrot, or even a handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end all work wonderfully.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem! Make your own blend by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, or simply use whatever dried herbs you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s as easy to love as it is to make, this American Goulash Recipe is your answer. It’s a timeless weeknight hero, packed with flavor and nostalgia in every bite. Gather your ingredients, share it with family, and see why this classic continues to win hearts—give it a try tonight!
Print
American Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting American Goulash recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. This one-pot dish features ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni, and flavorful seasonings, topped with melted cheese for extra richness.
Ingredients
For the Goulash:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheese if using, and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra veggies, stir in chopped bell peppers or spinach during cooking.
- This dish also freezes well for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
