American Goulash Recipe: A Hearty Comfort Dish You’ll Love
American Goulash is a classic, one-pot comfort meal that has been a staple in households across the country for generations. It’s a simple yet delicious dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and tomatoes, all simmered together to create a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe is easy to follow, and it’ll quickly become a favorite. Read on for all the details on how to make the perfect American Goulash and keep your family coming back for more.
What is American Goulash?
American Goulash, not to be confused with the Hungarian version, is a simple and budget-friendly dish that combines beef, tomatoes, pasta, and seasonings. Unlike Hungarian Goulash, which includes paprika and more complex flavors, American Goulash is more of a pasta dish, with a focus on tomato-based sauce, ground beef, and simple seasonings. It’s often referred to as "slumgullion" and is beloved for its comforting, homey flavors. This dish is not only a hit with kids and adults alike, but it’s also perfect for making large batches and reheating leftovers.
Ingredients List for American Goulash
To make a hearty American Goulash, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups of elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional, but adds a subtle flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Additional Ingredients for Flavor Variations
American Goulash is a flexible recipe that allows for a variety of add-ins depending on your taste preferences. Here are a few additional ingredients you might consider:
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 can of corn or mixed vegetables, drained
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- ½ cup of sour cream to make the sauce creamier
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a more intense smoky flavor
These ingredients can add extra texture, color, and taste to your goulash, making it a dish you can customize to your liking.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about American Goulash is how adaptable it is. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Here are a few substitution ideas:
- Ground beef: If you’re looking to reduce the fat content or simply want to switch things up, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. These options will still provide a hearty flavor while being slightly leaner.
- Pasta: While elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta for goulash, you can use any small pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be substituted for a healthier twist.
- Tomato sauce: If you don’t have tomato sauce on hand, you can substitute marinara or pasta sauce, but keep in mind that this might add extra herbs and spices to the dish.
- Cheese: For a creamy version, you can stir in a half cup of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream along with shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach to make the dish heartier.
Feel free to get creative and use what you have available in your pantry.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and potential substitutions in mind, let’s walk through the cooking process. The steps are simple, and this entire dish can be prepared in one pot, minimizing clean-up time.
- Cook the ground beef: Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Once the beef is done, drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the veggies: To the same pot, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add the seasonings and liquids: Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Then, pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well combined.
- Simmer and cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and let it cook on medium-low heat for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Before serving, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper to taste. If the dish is too thick, you can add a little more broth to loosen it up.
- Add the cheese (optional): If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top of the goulash and stir until melted and incorporated. You can also top the dish with cheese and place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes to get a golden, bubbly finish.
How to Cook American Goulash: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking American Goulash is incredibly straightforward, making it a great dish for busy weeknights or when you’re in need of a quick, satisfying meal. The step-by-step process involves browning the beef, sautéing the vegetables, adding the liquids and pasta, and letting everything simmer together until perfectly cooked. Whether you're an experienced cook or new to the kitchen, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and hard to mess up. Plus, it’s all done in one pot, which means minimal clean-up afterwards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though American Goulash is easy to make, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Not draining the beef: If you don’t drain the excess fat from the beef after cooking, your goulash can end up too greasy.
- Overcooking the pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can turn mushy if left in the pot too long. It’s best to check the pasta frequently and remove the pot from heat as soon as it’s tender.
- Not seasoning enough: Goulash is a simple dish, so don’t be afraid to add extra seasoning to taste. Make sure to taste and adjust throughout the cooking process.
- Skipping the simmering step: Simmering the dish after adding the liquids helps meld the flavors together. Don’t rush this step if you want the best-tasting goulash.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your American Goulash is ready, it’s time to serve it up in style. While this dish is delicious on its own, a few presentation tips can make it even more appealing:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top of the goulash can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Serve with crusty bread: A side of garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly with the hearty flavors of goulash, offering something to soak up the sauce.
- Add a dollop of sour cream: For an extra creamy and tangy contrast, serve with a spoonful of sour cream on top.
How to Serve American Goulash
American Goulash is a complete meal in itself, but you can elevate it by serving it alongside a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even some sautéed greens. For a family-friendly meal, serve it with breadsticks, a side of buttered peas, or steamed broccoli. This dish is versatile and pairs well with many sides.
Presentation Ideas for American Goulash
- Individual bowls: Serve the goulash in small, individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of cheese and a sprig of parsley.
- Family-style: For a casual gathering, serve the goulash straight from the pot or a large serving dish, with a big ladle for everyone to help themselves.
- In a bread bowl: For a fun and creative twist, hollow out small round loaves of bread and serve the goulash inside for an edible bowl.
American Goulash Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: Goulash is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: American Goulash freezes well. Simply let it cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm up on the stove with a little extra broth to loosen it up.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add heat, or a dash of smoked paprika can give the dish a smoky depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use different types of pasta? Yes, any small pasta shape will work in this recipe. Elbow macaroni is traditional, but feel free to experiment with penne, shells, or rotini.
- Can I make American Goulash ahead of time? Absolutely! Goulash reheats well and often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
- Is American Goulash the same as Hungarian Goulash? No, they are different. Hungarian Goulash is a stew made with beef, paprika, and vegetables, while American Goulash is a pasta dish with ground beef and a tomato-based sauce.
- Can I freeze American Goulash? Yes, it freezes beautifully. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- What can I serve with American Goulash? A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make excellent side dishes for American Goulash.
Conclusion
American Goulash is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Its combination of tender pasta, flavorful beef, and rich tomato sauce is a hit with both kids and adults. With the flexibility to add your own variations and substitutions, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Serve it with your favorite sides, enjoy the leftovers, and don’t forget to experiment with the seasonings to make it your own!
PrintAmerican Goulash Recipe
This American Goulash recipe is a hearty and simple dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, it's an easy one-pot meal that’s sure to please the whole family. The rich flavors of the beef and the pasta soak up the savory spices, making it a comforting classic that never goes out of style.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Elbow macaroni
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Paprika
- Bay leaf
- Salt & pepper
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in the paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked macaroni, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well and are great for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
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