If you’re in the mood for something hearty, comforting, and just downright delicious, you’re in the right place! American Goulash is the ultimate feel-good meal that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. It’s a one-pot wonder that can feed the whole family with ease, and it’s the kind of dish that fills the house with mouthwatering aromas as it simmers away. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
Why You’ll Love American Goulash
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a cozy gathering with friends, or indulging in some soul-soothing comfort food for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting crowd-pleaser. Picture yourself coming home after a long day, knowing that you’ve got a hearty meal waiting to be devoured in just one pot. Or imagine serving this at a gathering, where everyone is asking for the recipe and you get all the kudos.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, this dish proves that you don’t need to break the bank to make something satisfying. No fancy ingredients here—just good, wholesome food that fills you up without the hefty price tag.
Quick and Easy: This is one of those recipes that you can whip up even on the busiest days. The steps are straightforward, and the best part? It all comes together in one pot, so you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying that delicious meal.
Customizable: Whether you want to dial up the spice or keep it mild, this dish can be adjusted to suit your taste. Add some extra garlic, a dash of hot sauce, or even some veggies for a personal twist. It’s all about making it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: You can’t go wrong with this one. It’s hearty, comforting, and flavorful enough to win over kids and adults alike. Perfect for anyone who loves a big bowl of satisfying food.
Ingredients in American Goulash
Here’s the beauty of this dish: it’s made with simple ingredients that come together to create something absolutely delicious. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef: The star of the show. Brown and crumble it to create a meaty base full of rich flavor that’ll fill your belly and keep you coming back for more.
Pasta: Typically elbow macaroni, which cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all those hearty flavors. Plus, it adds that comforting, homey vibe that we all crave.
Tomato Sauce: The heart of the goulash. Rich, tangy, and full of flavor, it creates the perfect backdrop for the pasta and beef to shine. It also ties everything together into one delicious dish.
Onion and Garlic: These two are essential for building the flavor profile. The onion adds sweetness, and the garlic brings that savory punch that rounds everything out.
Seasonings: A little salt, pepper, and maybe some Italian seasoning to take this dish from simple to mouthwatering. A dash of paprika or red pepper flakes can bring in a nice bit of heat if you like things spicy.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until softened and fragrant. This is where all the magic starts, so let those flavors meld together.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and any seasonings you’re using. Stir to combine everything and bring it to a simmer. Let the flavors cook together for a few minutes.
Stir in the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot, and stir it in so the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. Add enough water or broth to just cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.
Finishing Touches: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened up nicely, give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the goulash into bowls, top with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped up in a warm, cozy blanket.
How to Serve American Goulash
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to amp up your meal with a few sides, here are some great options to try:
Fresh Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory goulash. A light vinaigrette works wonderfully here.
Crusty Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce. Garlic bread or a simple baguette would be perfect.
Cheese: Top with freshly grated cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for an extra layer of creamy goodness.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini make a great side that adds some color and nutrients to the meal.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping the veggies and measuring out the seasonings the night before. This will make the cooking process go even smoother.
Make It Spicy: If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add chili flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper for that kick.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking to make this dish gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta. You can also swap in ground turkey for a lighter version.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch and freezing half for those busy nights when you need a quick meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
A1: Yes! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on what you choose.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare it up to the point of cooking the pasta and store it in the fridge. Just heat it up, add the pasta, and cook until everything’s hot and bubbly.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! It freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra water or broth if it’s too thick. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, definitely! Just make sure you have a large enough pot to hold the extra ingredients. Leftovers are always a win.
Q7: What kind of pasta should I use?
A7: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use any small pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta. It all depends on what you have on hand.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to the goulash?
A8: Yes! Feel free to stir in some bell peppers, peas, or even spinach for extra nutrients.
Q9: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A9: Yes, you can! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add the pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Q10: How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
A10: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or a vegetarian meat substitute.
Conclusion
American Goulash is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It’s comfort food at its finest—hearty, delicious, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
Print
American Goulash
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty, easy comfort food is made with ground beef and sausage, tender elbow macaroni, green peppers, onions, and tomatoes, simmered in marinara sauce for layers of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it makes a big batch perfect for potlucks, picnics, game days, or planned leftovers. A classic family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (~85 to 95% lean)
- 1 pound ground sausage (or another ground protein)
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or another small pasta)
- 1 small white or yellow onion, diced small
- 1 medium green pepper, seeded and diced small
- 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 24 ounces marinara or tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth (reduced sodium)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (reduced sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or as desired)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or as desired)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely minced (optional, for garnishing)
Instructions
- Cook Proteins:
In a large deep-sided pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and sausage over medium-high heat, crumbling as it cooks. Drain any fat if desired, but it’s not necessary as the fat helps prevent the pasta from sticking. - Cook Pasta:
While the proteins cook, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Cook Vegetables:
To the browned proteins, add the onions and green peppers. Cook for 3–5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir frequently. - Add Garlic:
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. - Add Sauces and Seasonings:
Add the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. - Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir to combine. - Garnish and Serve:
Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg