There’s a reason American Goulash has held a special place at family dinner tables for generations—it’s cozy, hearty, and brimming with nostalgic flavor in every bite. This beloved one-pot wonder combines savory ground beef, tender macaroni, vibrant tomatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese into a comforting dish that’s both inviting and effortless to whip up on a busy weeknight. With just a few staple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll soon be serving up a meal that’s guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of American Goulash lies in its simplicity: each ingredient is handpicked for big flavor, homey texture, and that gorgeous pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why it matters.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything caramelize beautifully from the very start.
- Yellow onion: Brings mellow sweetness and deep flavor as the base of your goulash.
- Garlic: A quick hit of aromatic punch that unlocks the savory strength of the sauce.
- Ground beef: Gives the dish its classic meaty heartiness—try to use 80/20 for best texture and taste.
- Salt: Balances everything and lets the other ingredients shine.
- Black pepper: Lends a gentle warmth and rounds out the spice profile.
- Italian seasoning: Provides lovely herbal notes that complement the tomato-rich sauce.
- Tomato paste: Boosts color and intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Tomato sauce: Delivers that classic, saucy base American Goulash is known for.
- Diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds bright acidity and extra texture to every spoonful.
- Beef broth: Deepens the flavor and ensures your macaroni cooks up perfectly tender.
- Elbow macaroni: The traditional pasta of choice—its curves capture that delicious sauce in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts in at the end for a creamy, luscious finish.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A pop of freshness and color that makes your bowl extra inviting.
How to Make American Goulash
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and let them soften for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re translucent and fragrant. This step is the backbone of flavor—don’t rush it! Next, stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for another 30 seconds until just fragrant. This quick sauté gives your American Goulash a robust and welcoming aroma.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Crumble in the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon as it browns. Cook until it’s no longer pink and nicely browned, stirring frequently. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain some off for a lighter finish. Season that sizzling beef with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring every bit is well coated—a little patience here means every bite will be flavorful!
Step 3: Add Tomato Goodness
Sprinkle in the tomato paste and stir thoroughly to combine. It’ll blend seamlessly into the beef and help build a rich, thick base for your sauce. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their tasty juices), and beef broth. Give everything a big, satisfying stir. As it comes up to a boil, your kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible—that’s your cue you’re on the right track.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the elbow macaroni and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover your pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes, giving it a gentle stir every so often to prevent sticking. The macaroni will soak up all that savory, tomato-rich liquid and turn perfectly tender, really making American Goulash the comfort food it’s famous for.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Rest
If you’re adding cheddar cheese, stir it in now off the heat—watch as it melts into silky, creamy goodness, luxuriously binding everything together. Let your goulash sit for 5 minutes before serving. This little pause lets the flavors mingle and thickens the sauce just right. Top each bowl with chopped parsley if you like a burst of fresh color.
How to Serve American Goulash
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley instantly brightens each bowl, while an extra handful of cheese right before serving is always a winner for cheese lovers. You could also top with thinly sliced scallions, a dash of red pepper flakes for some heat, or even a light dollop of sour cream if you’re craving something creamy. Let everyone personalize their own serving!
Side Dishes
American Goulash is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round things out, a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette adds a perfect crisp contrast. Soft dinner rolls or slices of crusty garlic bread are perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce. For a homier touch, serve with sweet corn or buttery green beans on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn a classic into a party dish by scooping American Goulash into oven-safe bowls, topping with extra cheese, and broiling until bubbly for a “goulash gratin.” Or, ladle it into small mugs for a fun, kid-friendly dinner. Serve leftovers over a baked potato for a unique twist, or try piling the goulash atop toasted garlic bread for a satisfying open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After everyone’s had their fill, cool any leftover American Goulash to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Stash in the fridge, where it’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making those leftovers extra irresistible!
Freezing
If you want to freeze American Goulash, let it cool completely first. Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (flatten for easy storage) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The pasta might soften a little, but the flavors only get better with time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. You can also microwave in one-minute bursts, stirring between each go. Sprinkle on a fresh handful of cheese and parsley to revive those just-cooked flavors!
FAQs
What’s the difference between American Goulash and Hungarian Goulash?
The two share a name but are distinct dishes! American Goulash is a one-pot pasta with beef, tomatoes, and macaroni, while Hungarian Goulash is more like a hearty stew with chunks of beef and lots of paprika, usually served over noodles or potatoes.
Can I make American Goulash gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in a gluten-free elbow macaroni (like rice or corn-based pasta) and check your beef broth is gluten-free as well. The cooking method stays the same.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great here and is a lighter alternative. You might want to add an extra splash of olive oil to keep things moist and flavorful since turkey is leaner than beef.
How can I add more veggies?
Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach are all fantastic additions. Sauté them with the onions and garlic at the start for a boost of color and nutrition that fits right in with the American Goulash vibe.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely! American Goulash keeps well and reheats beautifully, so it’s perfect for prepping ahead. Divide into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a steaming pot of American Goulash—it’s comfort food in a bowl, always easy, always satisfying. Try this recipe and make it your own; you’ll find it quickly becomes a dinnertime favorite that everyone requests again and again!
