Hearty American Goulash Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic

My kitchen often buzzes with comforting american goulash memories that transport me back to childhood dinners.

Grandma’s classic recipe always sparked joy around our wooden table.

Hearty pasta and rich beef blend seamlessly in this one-pot wonder.

Robust seasonings create depth that makes every bite memorable.

Warm, satisfying flavors promise a meal everyone will devour quickly.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.

Why American Goulash Stays A Crowd Favorite

• Speedy Weeknight Rescue: Whip up this goulash in just 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy families craving a hearty meal without lengthy preparation.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce, this one-pot wonder delivers ultimate satisfaction that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
• Kid-Approved Delight: The simple ingredients and cheesy optional topping make this recipe a guaranteed winner for picky eaters, transforming dinnertime into a stress-free experience.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, macaroni, and pantry staples, this goulash provides maximum flavor and nutrition without breaking the bank.

All That Goes In American Goulash

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source for hearty, classic American goulash with maximum flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown the meat and create a deep, golden color in the pan.

• Onion, Garlic: Fundamental flavor builders that add depth and traditional goulash aroma. Yellow onions work best for consistent sweetness.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that catches sauce perfectly and provides comforting texture.
• Beef Broth: Adds rich, savory liquid for cooking pasta and enhancing overall meat flavor.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create the signature red sauce with bright, tangy flavor. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for best results.

• Paprika: Authentic Hungarian-style spice that gives traditional goulash its warm, slightly smoky character.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds complexity and traditional Mediterranean notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors in the dish.

• Shredded Cheese: Creamy, melty finish that adds richness and extra comfort to the goulash.

American Goulash Quick Prep Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Grab a large pot and drizzle olive oil across the bottom.

Set the heat to medium and let the oil shimmer.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef to the pot.

Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until the meat transforms into a beautiful golden brown color.

Drain away any excess fat.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Liquid

• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot.

Mix thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking.

Give it a final stir.

If you want extra indulgence, top with a generous handful of shredded cheese.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your hearty American Goulash.

American Goulash – Tips For The Best Comfort Bowl

• Remove as much grease as possible after browning the beef to prevent a greasy, heavy texture in your goulash.
• Select lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for better flavor and reduced excess fat, ensuring a more delicious dish.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent macaroni from sticking and achieve an even, tender pasta texture throughout the goulash.
• Experiment with different cheese toppings like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend to add extra depth and personalized flavor to your meal.
• Adjust paprika and Italian seasoning amounts to suit your taste preferences, creating a more personalized and flavorful American goulash.

American Goulash Storage and Warming Instructions

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerated goulash stays fresh for 3-4 days. Keep in sealed containers to maintain flavor and texture.
• Warm in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small amounts of beef broth to prevent drying out and restore moisture.
• Heat in microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and stir every 30 seconds to ensure even warming. Stop heating when steaming hot throughout.

American Goulash Serving Additions

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich beef and tomato flavors in the goulash.
• Cheese Enhancement Technique: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or aged parmesan on top to intensify the dish's savory profile and add a tangy, salty dimension.
• Hearty Side Dish Selection: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a light green salad with vinaigrette to balance the robust main course and provide textural contrast.
• Refreshing Beverage Option: Enjoy with a cold beer like amber ale or lager, which cuts through the richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

American Goulash with Flavor Flexibility

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to make the dish celiac-friendly. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Spicy Hungarian Style: Add hot paprika, diced bell peppers, and a touch of cayenne for an authentic Hungarian kick. Incorporate caraway seeds for traditional flavor complexity.

FAQs

• Is American Goulash the same as Hungarian Goulash?

No, they’re quite different. American Goulash is a one-pot pasta dish with ground beef and tomato sauce, while Hungarian Goulash is a traditional beef stew with chunks of meat and more paprika.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

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

• What if I want to make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or ground turkey, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, and choose whole wheat pasta for more nutrients.

• Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding it to the pot?

No, you can add uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. The pasta will cook in the sauce and broth, absorbing more flavor during the simmering process.

American Goulash Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern Comfort classic, American Goulash blends rich ground beef, tender macaroni, and savory tomato sauce into a satisfying one-pot meal. Generations of home cooks have perfected this budget-friendly dish that delivers warmth and nostalgia with each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (340 g) elbow macaroni
• 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (480 ml) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth

Aromatic Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, introducing olive oil to coat the bottom.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently transforming them until translucent and aromatic.
3. Introduce ground beef into the pot, breaking it into crumbly fragments while cooking until completely bronzed and no pink remains.
4. Eliminate surplus fat from the meat, ensuring a lean base for the dish.
5. Pour in robust beef broth, vibrant tomato sauce, and chunky diced tomatoes, complementing with earthy paprika and fragrant Italian seasoning.
6. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle bubbling state, blending flavors harmoniously.
7. Cascade uncooked elbow macaroni into the simmering liquid, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly.
8. Secure the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reducing heat to maintain a delicate simmer.
9. Let the pasta cook undisturbed for approximately 15 minutes, or until noodles transform to perfect tenderness.
10. Calibrate seasoning with judicious pinches of salt and pepper, adjusting to personal preference.
11. Plate the goulash while steaming hot, optionally crowning with a cascade of melting shredded cheese for additional richness.

Notes

• Precision matters when sautéing onions and garlic; cook until translucent and fragrant to build a rich flavor foundation.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease, ensuring a cleaner, lighter dish with more concentrated meat taste.
• Consider lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option without sacrificing the classic goulash texture and comfort.
• Experiment with gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same hearty appeal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg