The Best American Goulash Recipe: Cozy, Hearty & Soul-Warming

Comfort arrives with this hearty american goulash that promises warmth in every savory bite.

Grandma’s secret recipe blends robust flavors from simple ingredients you recognize.

Meaty and rich, the dish tells stories of midwestern kitchens and cherished memories.

Pasta mingles with ground beef in a tomato-based sauce that whispers home-cooked charm.

Nourishing and straightforward, this classic meal comes together faster than you can set the table.

Weeknight dinners will never feel mundane when this satisfying recipe lands on your plate.

American Goulash Overview

• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Packed with rich beef, tender pasta, and savory seasonings, this one-pot wonder satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its classic, robust taste.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like extra vegetables, different cheese toppings, or spice variations to match personal preferences and pantry contents.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Using affordable, basic ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, this recipe provides a delicious, filling meal without breaking the bank.

American Goulash Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty meat that provides the base protein for this classic American comfort dish.

• Onions, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and flavor to the goulash, creating a savory foundation.
• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: A blend of spices that enhance the overall taste profile and bring warmth to the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: These ingredients create a robust and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and meat.
• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that absorbs the sauce perfectly and provides a comforting texture to the goulash.

• Olive Oil: Used to start the cooking process and prevent sticking while adding a subtle fruity undertone.

Cooking Instructions for American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in the ground beef and cook until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot.

Let them dance and sizzle until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their incredible flavor into the meat.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.

Sprinkle in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

These ingredients will create a robust and mouthwatering sauce that brings the entire dish to life.

Step 4: Boil and Add Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Gently stir in the elbow macaroni, allowing it to nestle into the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat and let the goulash simmer.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Watch as the pasta cooks and the sauce thickens into a comforting, hearty meal.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Serve the goulash piping hot, ready to warm hearts and satisfy hungry appetites.

Tips for American Goulash

• Remove as much grease as possible after browning beef to prevent a greasy texture and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Select lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for better flavor and healthier overall dish without compromising taste.
• Stir macaroni frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the pot.
• Sprinkle small amount of grated parmesan cheese on top before serving to enhance rich, savory notes of the goulash.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, and gently reheat with splash of beef broth to maintain moisture.

American Goulash Variations

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, quinoa, or crumbled tofu for a hearty meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Goulash: Swap elbow macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or replace pasta with spiralized vegetables to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Goulash: Add chili powder, cumin, and diced green chilies for a southwestern flavor profile with extra heat.

Serving Ideas for American Goulash

• Comfort Crew Feast: Gather friends and family around the table for a hearty, nostalgic meal that brings everyone together.
• Cheesy Companion: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top just before serving to add extra richness and melty goodness.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and bright, herbal flavor that cuts through the rich sauce.
• Side Kick Selection: Pair with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.

Storage Guidelines for American Goulash

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Pour goulash into a saucepan, add splash of beef broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until thoroughly heated and creamy consistency returns.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! American goulash stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats easily, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free. The recipe adapts well to gluten-free alternatives.

• What ground meat works best?

While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey or lean ground chicken are excellent substitutes if you want a lighter version of the dish.

American Goulash Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty American Goulash brings comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, blending savory ground beef with tender pasta in a rich tomato sauce. Home cooks discover pure satisfaction in this classic one-pot meal that warms hearts and satisfies hungry families.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Tomato and Liquid Base:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 2 cups (240 grams) elbow macaroni, uncooked

Seasonings and Oil:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a substantial pot over moderate heat, then introduce ground beef and sizzle until completely browned, carefully eliminating surplus fat.
2. Incorporate chopped onions and minced garlic, gently sautéing until vegetables transform into translucent, aromatic fragments.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rich beef broth, smoky paprika, herbaceous Italian seasoning, and essential salt and pepper, creating a robust liquid foundation.
4. Elevate temperature until mixture reaches a vigorous boil, then carefully fold in elbow macaroni, ensuring even distribution throughout the savory liquid.
5. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the goulash to slowly marry flavors for approximately 15 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and promote even cooking.
6. Taste and refine seasonings, adjusting with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as desired to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
7. Remove from heat and allow the goulash to rest for several minutes, enabling sauce to slightly thicken and ingredients to settle, then serve steaming hot in deep bowls.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the dish healthier.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like shells or rotini for added texture and visual appeal.
• Consider using whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and create a more wholesome meal.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of rich, savory flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 371 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg