American Goulash Recipe (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

There are few dishes as nostalgic and satisfying as a warm bowl of classic American Goulash. This isn’t the paprika-heavy, slow-simmered stew from Hungary; this is the hearty, one-pot macaroni and beef masterpiece that has graced family dinner tables for generations. If you’re searching for the ultimate American Goulash Recipe, you’ve found it. This guide is designed to be simple, straightforward, and absolutely foolproof, delivering a delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a meal that brings everyone to the table, promising rich flavor and comforting warmth in every single bite.

What is American Goulash?

American Goulash is a beloved American comfort food classic. At its core, it’s a one-pot pasta dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Unlike its European counterpart, American Goulash is less of a stew and more of a complete, hearty pasta meal. It’s known for being budget-friendly, easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a staple in household recipe collections across the country.

American Goulash vs. Hungarian Goulash

It’s a common point of confusion, but the two dishes are quite different. Traditional Hungarian goulash is a slow-cooked stew made with chunks of beef (like chuck roast), onions, and a generous amount of paprika, often served over dumplings or potatoes. The American Goulash Recipe, however, uses ground beef and elbow macaroni, which are cooked directly in a zesty tomato sauce. While both are delicious, think of the Hungarian version as a rich stew and the American version as a complete pasta dinner. If you’re interested in its European cousin, you might enjoy this authentic German Goulash recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Goulash Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single pot, which means incredible flavor and minimal cleanup.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef and pasta, it’s a great way to feed a family without breaking the bank.
• Family-Approved: It’s a mild, savory dish that appeals to all ages, even picky eaters. It has a similar crowd-pleasing appeal to these cheeseburger sliders.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for hectic weeknights.

Key Ingredients for Classic American Goulash

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: We recommend an 80/20 or 85/15 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and richness.
• Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational savory flavor of the sauce.

* Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness that water alone can’t provide.

• Canned Tomatoes: A combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce creates a perfectly textured sauce.
• Seasonings: Paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are all you need. A little Worcestershire sauce adds a fantastic umami kick.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice that captures the sauce perfectly.
• Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melted at the end makes it extra decadent.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect American Goulash Recipe

1. Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Finish with Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked through, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the goulash is creamy.
6. Serve Hot: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Goulash

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The macaroni will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so cook it until it’s just al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best creamy texture, buy a block and shred it yourself.
• Let It Rest: Allow the goulash to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce thicken up slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Variations and Substitutions

Can I use a different meat?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. You could even use a spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor.

Can I add vegetables?

Of course. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor. Some people also enjoy adding a can of corn or kidney beans toward the end of cooking.

What to Serve with American Goulash

This is a true one-pot meal, so it doesn’t need much on the side. However, a slice of crusty garlic bread for dipping is always a great choice. For a bit of freshness, a simple green salad or this light and crisp cucumber ranch salad makes the perfect accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Can you freeze American Goulash?

Yes, goulash freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The Ultimate American Goulash Recipe

FL Recipes

American Goulash Recipe (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

This classic American Goulash recipe is the ultimate one-pot comfort food! Made with savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, it's a quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Goulash

• 1 pound ground beef 85/15 lean to fat ratio recommended
• 1 large onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese freshly shredded is best
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method

 

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Once the pasta is cooked through, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and the goulash is creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalProtein: 28gFat: 22gFiber: 4g

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta: It will continue to absorb liquid and soften as it sits, so aim for al dente.
Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts much better than pre-shredded varieties and results in a creamier sauce.

Keyword american goulash,goulash recipe,one pot pasta

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