Name: American Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 cups beef broth or water; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

American Goulash is a true crowd-pleaser that’s budget-friendly, quick to prepare, and deliciously filling. It combines pantry staples into a cozy, nostalgic meal that both kids and adults love. This dish is perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry group with minimal fuss and cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Elbow macaroni
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Diced tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Tomato paste
Beef broth or water
Worcestershire sauce
Italian seasoning
Bay leaf
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover again and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove bay leaf. If desired, stir in shredded cheese until melted.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Cheesy goulash: Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Veggie-loaded: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
Ground turkey or chicken: Use leaner meat for a lighter version.
Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta and ensure all canned ingredients are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.

To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

This dish also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What is the difference between American goulash and Hungarian goulash?

American goulash is a pasta and ground beef dish with tomato sauce, while Hungarian goulash is a paprika-heavy beef stew.

Can I make American goulash ahead of time?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Make it in advance and store in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Do I cook the pasta separately?

No, the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the flavor and cutting down on cleanup.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, small shapes like shells or rotini work well, though elbow macaroni is traditional.

What meat can I use besides ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage are great alternatives.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add spice with hot sauce, cayenne, or chili flakes.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook just until al dente and avoid over-simmering. Stir occasionally to keep pasta from sticking.

What can I serve with American goulash?

Garlic bread, salad, or steamed vegetables make excellent sides.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it’s easy to scale up. Just use a large enough pot and adjust cooking times slightly if needed.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely—use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth, or replace meat with lentils or beans.

Conclusion

American Goulash is a nostalgic, no-fuss dinner that delivers comfort in every bite. With tender pasta, seasoned meat, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a simple and satisfying meal that never goes out of style. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or making a big batch to freeze, this classic dish is always a winning choice.

American Goulash