There is something incredibly comforting and soul-satisfying about a warm bowl of American Goulash Recipe. This dish blends tender elbow macaroni with rich, savory ground beef and a luscious tomato-based sauce, making it the perfect hearty meal for any night of the week. Simple ingredients come together in a way that feels like a warm hug from the inside, showcasing a one-pot wonder that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a cozy solo dinner, this American Goulash Recipe never fails to impress with its bold flavors and homey charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this American Goulash Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. The list is straightforward but delivers everything needed to create a dish that’s satisfyingly rich and perfectly balanced.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it brings a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the onions for flavor release.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture as the base for the sauce.
- Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and a gentle kick to brighten the flavors.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that gives the dish its meaty backbone.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharpness to balance the richness.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky warmth and a touch of color.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in a fragrant herbaceous note to round out the flavor profile.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds a thick, savory intensity.
- Tomato sauce: Forms the rich, saucy base that envelops the pasta and beef.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Introduces texture and acidity, brightening the sauce.
- Beef broth: Infuses savory depth and helps cook the pasta perfectly.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice for American goulash, offering a tender bite that holds the sauce beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into the dish, adding creamy richness and a cheesy finish.
- Chopped parsley: Used as a fresh, vibrant garnish to lift the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make American Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook until it turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the onion, creating a flavorful foundation. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until fragrant—this tiny bit signals the beginning of something wonderful.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Browning the beef properly is crucial because it develops deep, savory notes that make this dish so delicious. Once the beef is evenly browned, drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Season and Build the Sauce
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to coat the meat. Then, mix in the tomato paste and cook it for about one minute to enhance its flavor. Adding tomato sauce, diced tomatoes along with their juice, and beef broth creates a rich, tomatoey stew that will eventually become the heart of your goulash.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta
Bring your sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for five minutes to meld the flavors. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover the pan, and cook on low heat for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender. This one-pot technique means the elbows soak up all that gorgeous flavor while softening to just the right texture.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
If you love a cheesy finish, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the mixture, making the dish irresistibly creamy. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of fresh color and flavor before serving.
How to Serve American Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for show—it’s a bright, herbaceous contrast that cuts through the richness of the goulash. If you want, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkling of extra cheese on individual bowls for an extra-special touch. These garnishes make every bite feel handcrafted and festive.
Side Dishes
This American Goulash Recipe is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for added texture and nutrition. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the meal perfectly by soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this goulash family-style in a large, rustic bowl to invite everyone to dig in and enjoy together. For a fun twist, try layering it in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese, then broil briefly to create a golden crust. This presentation adds a comforting casserole vibe without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover American Goulash Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the pasta from drying out. It tastes just as great warmed up, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish with ease. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to three months for a convenient and comforting meal whenever you need it. Just remember that the texture might soften slightly after thawing, which is totally fine for this cozy dish.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered loosely with a lid or damp paper towel, heating until warmed through.
FAQs
What is American Goulash Recipe?
American Goulash Recipe is a comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s a popular, easy-to-make meal known for its hearty flavors and family-friendly appeal.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can swap in other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth will keep the flavors balanced and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
This American Goulash Recipe has a mild warmth due to paprika and black pepper but isn’t spicy hot. You can easily adjust the seasoning with chili flakes or cayenne if you like more heat.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for meal prep?
Definitely. This dish stores well and tastes even better after the flavors have melded. Prepare an extra batch and enjoy it for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like sharing a hearty, lovingly made American Goulash Recipe with family and friends. Its ease, warmth, and generous flavors make it a timeless classic at the dinner table. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the cozy comfort it brings? I promise it will become one of your go-to meals for busy days and relaxing nights alike.
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
Description
Classic American Goulash is a comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring tender ground beef simmered with tomatoes, seasonings, and elbow macaroni. This easy stovetop recipe comes together quickly for a hearty, flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute to release aroma.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then drain excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Season and Build Flavor: Season the browned beef with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni, cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Garnish: If using, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions.
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter variation.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully for future meals.
