Craving a hearty, no-fuss meal that’s ready in 30 minutes? American Goulash delivers—every time. Imagine savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a smoky tomato sauce spiked with garlic and paprika, all simmered in one pot. No fancy skills needed, just pantry staples and a hunger for comfort. Weeknight hero? Family crowd-pleaser? Done and done. Let’s cook.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Busy evenings call for easy solutions. This American Goulash is more than a dish—it’s your stress-free answer to dinnertime chaos. Here’s why it’ll win you over:
One-Pot Wonder: No juggling pans or endless cleanup. Brown the beef, toss in the pasta and spices, and let the pot work its magic. (Bonus: fewer dishes = happier you.)
Pantry Hero: Odds are, you’ve got most ingredients already—think ground beef, elbow macaroni, and those canned tomatoes hiding in the back of your cupboard.
Flavor Bomb: Smoky paprika, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce team up to create a rich, savory sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Kid-approved? Absolutely. Adult-approved? Double-tap.
Meal Prep MVP: Double the batch and stash leftovers in the fridge (they reheat like a dream).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Let’s break down the essentials—and how to tweak them if your pantry’s playing hard to get. American Goulash is flexible, so don’t sweat it if you need to improvise!
The Must-Haves
- Ground Beef: The hearty base. Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian twist.
- Elbow Macaroni: Holds sauce like a champ. Gluten-free? Use rice pasta or small shells.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Creates that rich, saucy backbone. No diced tomatoes? Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce work too.
Flavor Boosters
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami depth. Vegetarian? Try soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Paprika & Italian Seasoning: Smoky + herby vibes. No Italian seasoning? Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Beef Broth: Enhances savoriness. Swap with veggie broth or even water in a pinch (just add a splash of soy sauce for depth).
Customize It Your Way
- Cheese Lovers: Shredded cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or parmesan add fun twists.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Heat Seekers: A pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of hot sauce will fire things up.
How to Make American Goulash: Step-by-Step
Let’s turn those ingredients into a cozy, crowd-pleasing American Goulash—no chef skills required! Follow these simple steps, and I’ll share pro tips to keep things foolproof.
Brown the Beef & Onions
- Place your skillet or Dutch oven on the stove and warm it over medium heat.
- Add 1 lb ground beef and 1 diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
- Season with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1 tsp paprika.
- Tip: Let the beef develop a light crust for extra flavor—don’t stir too much!
Build the Base
- Drain any excess grease (leave about 1 TBSP for flavor).
- Stir in 1 TBSP minced garlic and 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce—your kitchen should smell amazing now.
- Add 2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce, 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, 1½ cups beef broth, and 2 cups elbow macaroni.
Simmer to Perfection
- Add the bay leaves, stir the mixture thoroughly, and let it simmer lightly.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook gently for 12–15 minutes.
- Tip: Peek at the 10-minute mark. If the pasta’s still firm, add a splash of broth and cook 2-3 more minutes.
Finish & Serve
- Remove bay leaves (they’ve done their job!).
- Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed. Let it sit uncovered for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Dish into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Want extra flair? Sprinkle with parsley or a crack of black pepper.
For more recipe ideas, explore our Dinner Category, where you’ll find a variety of delicious recipes and tips.
Serving Suggestions
Your American Goulash is ready to shine—here’s how to turn it into a satisfying meal that everyone will rave about. Keep it simple or elevate it with these fuss-free ideas:
Classic Pairings
- Garlic bread is ideal for scooping up every bit of the flavorful tomato sauce.
- Green Salad: A crisp mix of arugula, spinach, or romaine with a light vinaigrette balances the dish’s heartiness.
- Steamed Veggies: Try green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots for a wholesome touch.
Creative Toppings
- Cheesy Finish: Melt extra cheddar on top, or add a spoonful of sour cream for creaminess.
- Fresh herbs: like parsley, basil, or chives bring a pop of flavor and vibrant color.
- Crunchy Texture: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions for contrast.
Heat & Flair
- Stir in roasted red peppers, olives, or a dash of hot sauce for bold flavor.
- For a smoky twist, top with crumbled bacon or a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigeration:
- Cool leftovers completely (within 2 hours of cooking).
- Keep leftovers fresh in fridge-safe containers for up to four days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing:
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, removing excess air.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- For more details on safe storage practices, visit Nutrition.gov’s food safety guide.
American Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1½ tsp salt divided
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- 2 cans 8 oz each tomato sauce
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
Brown the Beef:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Drain excess grease.
Build Flavor:
- Stir in garlic and Worcestershire sauce. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and uncooked macaroni. Drop in bay leaves.
Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Finish:
- Remove bay leaves. Let sit 2–3 minutes to thicken. Top with shredded cheddar before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Fat: 18g Protein: 24g Carbs: 45g Fiber: 4g Sugar: 8g Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and based on automated calculations. Actual numbers may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For precise information, please check the nutrition labels of your ingredients or refer to your preferred brand’s data.FAQs: Your American Goulash Questions, Answered
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here’s a quick guide to troubleshooting, customizing, and mastering this American Goulash recipe like a pro.
Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells, rotini, or cavatappi work well. For gluten-free versions, try rice pasta or quinoa macaroni.
Tip: Adjust cooking time based on the pasta shape’s package instructions.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pot occasionally while simmering.
Ensure there’s enough liquid (add a splash of broth or water if needed).
Avoid overcooking—al dente pasta holds up best.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap ground beef for lentils, plant-based crumbles, or diced mushrooms. Use veggie broth and skip Worcestershire sauce (or opt for a vegan version).
What’s the difference between American and Hungarian goulash?
American Goulash: Tomato-based, with ground beef and pasta (think hearty, one-pot comfort food).
Hungarian Goulash: A paprika-forward stew with cubed beef, veggies, and no pasta. Both delicious, but totally different vibes!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the sauce (without pasta) up to 2 days in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, stir in uncooked pasta, and simmer until tender.
Conclusion
There’s a reason American Goulash has stood the test of time—it’s the ultimate marriage of simplicity, flavor, and practicality. Whether you’re wrangling a busy weeknight, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving a nostalgic bite, this one-pot wonder delivers every time. With pantry staples, minimal cleanup, and endless customization options (vegetarian tweaks, spice upgrades, or pasta swaps), it’s a recipe that adapts to your life, not the other way around.
So grab that skillet, channel your inner weeknight hero, and give this dish a spin. Trust me: once you taste that smoky tomato sauce hugging tender pasta and savory beef, you’ll understand why it’s a comfort food legend. Don’t forget to stash leftovers—they’re practically a reward for future-you.
Hungry for more family-friendly recipes? Save this guide, share it with a friend, and let me know how your goulash turns out in the comments. Happy cooking, and even happier eating! .