There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty, one-pot meal that comes together with ease and satisfies the whole family. That’s exactly what you get with this American Goulash recipe. With its rich tomato-based sauce, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver—and one you’ll come back to time and time again.
I remember the first time I made this goulash for my family. It was one of those crazy weekdays when everything seemed rushed, and I needed something quick but still homemade. This recipe not only came together in under 30 minutes, but it also earned immediate rave reviews from everyone at the table. It’s now part of our regular dinner rotation, and I love how adaptable it is based on what I have on hand.
What makes American Goulash truly special is its simplicity. Unlike its Hungarian counterpart, which uses paprika and stews for hours, this version is straightforward and fuss-free, while still delivering bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need leftovers for lunch the next day, this dish has you covered.
Now, let’s dive into how to bring this comforting classic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the cooking process, here’s a quick look at everything you’ll need to make this flavorful American Goulash:
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
8 ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup elbow macaroni pasta, cooked (measured before cooking)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
These simple ingredients are probably already in your pantry or fridge, which makes this recipe even more convenient.
STEP 1: BROWN THE BEEF AND ONIONS
Start by heating a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pan. As the beef cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller crumbles. This ensures even cooking and that every bite is packed with flavor.
Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, carefully drain off any excess grease. This step helps keep the dish from becoming too oily, while still retaining all that delicious, savory flavor from the beef and aromatics.
STEP 2: ADD THE TOMATOES AND SAUCE
With the beef and onions ready, it’s time to build that rich, hearty sauce. Pour in the crushed tomatoes (including the juices) and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. You’ll already start to notice the sauce thickening slightly as it blends with the beef mixture.
STEP 3: SEASON THE SAUCE
Seasoning is key to transforming this dish from basic to crave-worthy. Add in the sugar, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
At this point, bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating that signature comforting taste that American Goulash is known for.
How to Finish Your Perfect American Goulash
Now that we’ve built the rich, flavorful base, it’s time to bring everything together. This part of the recipe is just as simple but equally important for achieving that cozy, satisfying dish your whole family will love. The best part? It all happens in the same pot, making cleanup a breeze.
STEP 4: ADD THE COOKED MACARONI
After your sauce has simmered for about 10 minutes and the flavors have had a chance to blend, it’s time to introduce the pasta. Take your already-cooked elbow macaroni and stir it gently into the sauce. You want every piece of pasta to be coated in that delicious tomato mixture.
Let the combined mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the macaroni to soak up some of the sauce and ensures everything is heated through evenly. If you notice the sauce is a little thick, feel free to add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up slightly.
STEP 5: SERVE AND GARNISH
Now comes my favorite part—serving! Spoon generous portions into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts slightly from the heat, adding a creamy, nutty layer of flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
If you want to make it even more special, you can serve it alongside a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread. Trust me, it makes for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best American Goulash
Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your goulash turns out perfectly every time:
Use lean ground beef: This keeps the dish from being too greasy but still full of flavor.
Cook the pasta separately: Cooking the macaroni ahead of time ensures it doesn’t get mushy or overcooked as it simmers in the sauce.
Season to taste: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
Add extra veggies: Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini can be stirred in with the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Consider a splash of Worcestershire sauce: This can add a savory depth to the sauce that complements the beef beautifully.
Simple Variations to Try
One of the reasons I love this American Goulash is because it’s so easy to adapt based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:
Cheesy Goulash: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese right before serving for an extra cheesy twist.
Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if your family likes a little heat.
Turkey or Chicken Goulash: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Why American Goulash Is the Perfect Weeknight Meal
I can’t stress enough how much of a game-changer this recipe has been in my own kitchen. On busy nights when time is short and everyone is hungry, knowing I can whip up this hearty, comforting dish in about 30 minutes is a lifesaver. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers that taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a comforting dish to enjoy on a chilly evening, American Goulash checks all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Goulash
Even though American Goulash is simple and straightforward, a few questions often come up while making it. Let’s go over some of the most common ones to make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Can I make American Goulash ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, American Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Can I freeze American Goulash?
Yes. Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if necessary.
Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
Cooking the pasta separately helps ensure it doesn’t become overcooked or mushy as it simmers in the sauce. It also gives you more control over the texture. However, if you prefer a true one-pot meal, you can cook the pasta directly in the sauce by adding extra liquid (water or broth) and adjusting the cooking time.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. Just be sure to cook them to al dente before adding to the sauce.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem. You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a bit of rosemary. Adjust to taste based on what you have in your spice cabinet.
How can I add more protein or nutrition?
Consider adding canned beans, extra ground meat, or chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. These additions blend well with the sauce and boost the nutritional value.
Is there a way to make it vegetarian?
Yes. You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or even use lentils or chopped mushrooms to replicate the texture while keeping the dish vegetarian.
Conclusion: A Comforting Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s a reason American Goulash has stood the test of time—it’s simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, this one-pot wonder delivers every single time.
I’ve made this dish countless times, and every time it’s met with happy faces and full stomachs. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home, with its rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and savory ground beef all coming together in perfect harmony. And with all the simple variations you can try, it never gets boring.
I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your kitchen too! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Feel free to share your own twists and variations in the comments—after all, that’s part of what makes cooking so much fun.
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American Goulash
Description
American Goulash is a classic, comforting one-pot meal that combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a warm, home-cooked dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
8 ounce can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup elbow macaroni pasta, cooked (measured before cooking)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown and crumble the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender, then drain off any excess grease.
Add the crushed tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce into the saucepan. Stir the mixture to combine.
Season the sauce with sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the saucepan and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and blend the flavors.
Serve the goulash hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
For extra flavor and texture, you can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce while it simmers. Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will enhance the dish with a richer, nuttier flavor. This goulash stores well in the refrigerator for several days and makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop over time.
