Name: American Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a truly comforting meal that comes together with ease, the American Goulash Recipe is your answer. Bursting with savory flavors, this one-pot classic combines tender ground beef, hearty elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, all embraced by just a hint of smoky paprika and melty cheddar cheese. Whether you’re serving friends on a busy weeknight or warming up on a chilly Sunday, the American Goulash Recipe delivers nostalgia and satisfaction in every bite—just the way comfort food is meant to be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This American Goulash Recipe keeps it simple, calling for familiar ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Each element brings its own special something, making for a dish that’s flavorful, filling, and delightfully colorful.

Olive oil: Adds just enough richness to brown the beef and create a flavorful foundation.
Ground beef: The star of the show, providing hearty protein and robust, savory notes.
Yellow onion: Lends a subtle sweetness and depth that makes each bite more complex.
Garlic: Builds aromatic layers of flavor with every sautéed clove.
Elbow macaroni: Classic, kid-friendly pasta that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
Tomato sauce: Gives the dish its signature deep, simmered tomato flavor.
Diced tomatoes: Brings texture and brightness with juicy, tomatoey pops.
Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and turns up the savory umami dial.
Italian seasoning: A pinch of dried herbs that ties all the savory elements together.
Paprika: Delivers subtle smokiness and a warm hue to the sauce.
Salt: Highlights all the best flavors and keeps every bite perfectly seasoned.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and roundness to the sauce.
Beef broth: Deepens the flavor while helping the macaroni cook to tender perfection.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For a creamy, gooey finish that takes this goulash over the top.
Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens things up with a burst of color and freshness at the end.

How to Make American Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add in the ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as you go. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned, and don’t forget to drain off any excess fat to keep the dish hearty but not greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

With the beef still in the pan, add the chopped yellow onion. Stir and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until softened and releasing its sweetness. Then, sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for one minute more—you’ll notice the fragrance bloom instantly!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Now it’s time for the heart of the American Goulash Recipe. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This combination makes a deeply flavorful sauce, with herbs, spice, and that unbeatable tang of tomatoes.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Remember to stir every few minutes to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick and that every piece is soaking up those irresistible flavors.

Step 5: Cheese It Up and Finish

If you’re a cheese lover, now’s the exciting part! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted for a silky, rich finish. Top it all off with a scattering of fresh chopped parsley for that extra pop of green and zest before serving.

How to Serve American Goulash Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing brightens a bowl of American Goulash Recipe quite like a sprinkle of vibrant fresh parsley. If you want extra texture, a few crunchy fried onions or a dusting of Parmesan cheese are wonderful. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool contrast that never fails to delight guests.

Side Dishes

Pair your American Goulash Recipe with warm, buttery garlic bread or a crisp, tangy garden salad for a complete comfort meal. Steamed green beans or sweet corn on the side are always crowd-pleasers, offering a little sweet crunch to complement the savory pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your goulash in bread bowls or topped with a handful of kettle-cooked chips for extra crunch. Individual ramekins make for an elevated but still homey presentation, especially if you finish each with a bubbling cheese topping under the broiler.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover American Goulash Recipe keeps beautifully for up to four days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors mingle and deepen over time, sometimes making the next-day goulash even more irresistible. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before sealing it away.

Freezing

This dish is equally freezer-friendly. Scoop cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed goulash gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta has soaked up too much sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. A fresh sprinkle of cheese or parsley gives leftovers a just-made feel.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! The American Goulash Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Swapping in ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter dish, but you’ll still enjoy a hearty, flavorful result. Plant-based crumbles work nicely as well for a vegetarian version.

Can I make this American Goulash Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free varieties cook faster or can become soft if simmered too long.

What kinds of cheese work best if I want something besides cheddar?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack bring their own unique character. Feel free to experiment or use up what you have on hand; just go for cheeses that melt nicely into the sauce.

Is it okay to prepare American Goulash Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to meld even more. Just keep it covered and warm, or cool and reheat when ready to serve. If you’re prepping the night before, wait and add the cheese just before serving for that perfect melty finish.

How can I adjust the spiciness level?

This American Goulash Recipe is mild as written, but you can easily spice it up by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or using hot paprika instead of regular. Taste as you go, and customize to suit your own heat preference.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this American Goulash Recipe a try—there’s just something magical about a bowlful of simple, soul-warming goodness. Whether it’s for Sunday dinner or a speedy weeknight meal, it’s guaranteed to bring comfort and a smile to the table. Happy cooking!

American Goulash Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This American Goulash recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and savory seasonings for a delicious dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Goulash:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For Garnish:

fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cook the beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
Cook the pasta: Add the elbow macaroni, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Finish and serve: Stir in cheddar cheese (if using) until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.