Beginner-Friendly Recipe
Easy American Goulash Recipe
Easy American Goulash
This easy American goulash is the kind of dependable comfort-food dinner that belongs in your weeknight rotation. Ground beef, tomatoes, tender elbow macaroni, and savory seasonings simmer together in one pot for a hearty meal with minimal cleanup.
Quick Answer
American goulash is a one-pot pasta dish made with browned ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, broth, seasonings, and elbow macaroni. The pasta cooks directly in the tomato-beef mixture, which helps the sauce become rich and flavorful while keeping cleanup simple.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe starts with ground beef for a hearty base, along with onion and garlic for savory flavor. Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes create the rich sauce, while beef broth gives the pasta enough liquid to cook right in the pot.
Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta choice because its small shape cooks quickly and holds onto the sauce. Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a few pantry spices round out the flavor without making the dish complicated.
Print the shopping list for this American goulash recipe.
Why This Recipe Works
- Everything cooks in one pot. The pasta simmers directly in the sauce, which means fewer dishes and more flavor.
- It uses everyday ingredients. Most of the ingredients are affordable pantry and refrigerator staples.
- It is family-friendly. The mild tomato and beef flavor makes this an approachable dinner for both kids and adults.
- It is easy to customize. You can add vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or finish it with cheese.
- It reheats well. Leftovers make an easy lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Tips for the Best Goulash
Brown the beef well before adding the liquids. A little caramelization on the meat and onions builds more savory flavor than simply cooking the beef until it turns gray.
Once the macaroni goes into the pot, stir it occasionally so it does not settle on the bottom. Check the pasta a few minutes before you expect it to be done because different brands of macaroni can cook at slightly different rates.
Keep in mind that the sauce will continue to thicken as the goulash rests. If it becomes thicker than you prefer, stir in a splash of broth or water before serving.
Meal Ideas and Easy Swaps
American goulash is hearty enough to serve on its own, but a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or warm garlic bread makes an excellent side.
For extra vegetables, try adding diced bell pepper with the onion or stirring in chopped spinach near the end of cooking. You can also replace some of the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms.
If you prefer a cheesier version, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over each serving. For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter variation. Chicken broth can also replace beef broth, although the finished flavor will be slightly milder.
How This Recipe Comes Together
The recipe begins by browning the ground beef with onion until the meat is cooked and the onion has softened. Garlic and seasonings are added next so they can briefly cook and release their flavor.
The tomato ingredients and broth then create the cooking liquid for the pasta. Once everything reaches a gentle simmer, the dry macaroni cooks directly in the sauce.
As the macaroni becomes tender, it absorbs the seasoned tomato and beef flavors while releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce. After a short rest, the goulash becomes thick, saucy, and ready to serve.
Easy American Goulash
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the dry elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low and maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook uncovered for about 10 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender. Add a small splash of broth or water if the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta finishes cooking.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the goulash rest for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it stands.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- If desired, stir in some of the shredded cheddar or sprinkle cheese over individual servings. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition Information Disclaimer
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only and may vary based on the ingredients, brands, portion sizes, substitutions, and preparation methods used. Optional toppings and serving suggestions may not be included in the calculation. For the most accurate information, calculate nutrition using the specific ingredients and amounts you use.
Allergy notice: Always check ingredient labels and avoid substitutions that may introduce allergens. This recipe has not been verified as allergen-free.
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Storage and Reheating
Allow leftover goulash to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. For the best texture, enjoy refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Because the pasta continues to absorb sauce during storage, adding a small splash of broth or water while reheating can restore the original consistency.
You can also freeze goulash, although cooked pasta may become softer after thawing. Store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Food Safety Note
Cook ground beef thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 160°F. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat them until hot throughout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding too much pasta: Pasta absorbs a surprising amount of liquid. Stick with the recommended proportion unless you also increase the broth and tomato sauce.
Cooking the macaroni too long: Stop cooking when the pasta is just tender. It will continue to soften slightly as the hot goulash rests.
Skipping the browning step: Properly browned beef and onions provide much of the savory flavor in this simple dish.
Using heat that is too high after adding the pasta: A gentle simmer helps the macaroni cook evenly without scorching the sauce on the bottom of the pot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American goulash?
American goulash is a one-pot comfort-food dish typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, seasonings, and macaroni. It is sometimes called American chop suey depending on the region.
Is American goulash the same as Hungarian goulash?
No. Hungarian goulash is traditionally a paprika-forward meat and vegetable soup or stew. American goulash is a tomato-based ground beef and macaroni dish.
Can I cook the macaroni separately?
Yes, but cooking it directly in the sauce is convenient and allows the pasta to absorb more flavor. If using separately cooked pasta, reduce the amount of broth in the sauce.
Why is my goulash too thick?
The macaroni absorbs liquid while cooking and continues absorbing it as the dish rests. Stir in a little additional broth, tomato sauce, or water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I make goulash ahead of time?
Yes. Keep in mind that the pasta will soften and the sauce will thicken during storage. Adding a splash of broth when reheating helps loosen the sauce.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar works especially well, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan can also be used.
Final Notes
This easy American goulash delivers everything you want from a weeknight comfort-food recipe: simple ingredients, hearty portions, plenty of savory tomato flavor, and only one main pot to wash afterward.
It is also forgiving enough to make your own. Add vegetables, change the protein, make it cheesy, or adjust the seasonings to suit your family while keeping the simple one-pot method.
Trusted Resources
For current guidance on cooking ground beef safely and handling leftovers, consult the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and FoodSafety.gov.
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