American Goulash is a comforting, budget-friendly one-pot meal made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce. It's a true classic that comes together with pantry staples in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-pot wonder: Easy cleanup and no extra dishes.
- Budget-friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Family-approved: Hearty, filling, and comforting.
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prep, freezing, and reheating.
📖 Recipe
American Goulash Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounces (1 can) tomato sauce
- 15 ounces (1 can) diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces (1 box) elbow macaroni
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the 1 pound ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add 1 large diced onion and 1 large bell pepper. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in 3 cloves garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Stir in 15 ounces tomato sauce, 15 ounces diced tomatoes, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 4 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add the 16 ounces elbow macaroni, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with shredded cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
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Recipe Notes & Variations
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Cheesy Goulash: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella at the end.
- Consistency: Add more broth for a soupier goulash, or simmer uncovered longer for a thicker version.
Expert Tips for the Best American Goulash
- Use elbow macaroni for tradition, but other short pastas like shells or rotini work too.
- Always stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Taste the sauce before adding pasta so you can adjust the seasoning.
FAQs
Yes! Shells, penne, or rotini are great alternatives. Just adjust cooking time.
Yes. Brown the beef, onion, and peppers first. Add everything except pasta to the slow cooker and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes.
Absolutely! Stir in shredded cheese during the last few minutes so it melts into the sauce.
Too thick? Add more broth or water.
Too thin? Simmer uncovered until it reduces.
What to Serve with American Goulash
Pair this hearty dish with simple sides for a complete meal:
- Southern Cornbread
- Garlic Green Beans
- A crisp side salad or roasted vegetables
This American Goulash recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for meal prepping. It's versatile, easy, and delicious, exactly what modern comfort food should be.
If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and a comment below. I'd love to hear how you served it!
💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!
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