American Goulash
There’s just something so heartwarming about a big, cozy pot of American Goulash bubbling away on the stove. It’s like a hug in a bowl—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. This dish is a classic for good reason. It’s got that nostalgic, old-school comfort that makes you want to curl up with a warm plate and just savor.
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Whether it brings back childhood memories or you’re just discovering it for the first time, trust me—this one’s a game-changer. With tender beef, hearty macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce all coming together in one pot, it’s pure magic. It smells amazing while it’s cooking, and the flavors? Oh, they only get better the next day.
So grab your coziest spoon (yes, that’s a thing now), and let’s talk goulash.
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 get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in American Goulash
Here’s the beauty of this dish—it’s built on familiar, pantry-friendly ingredients, yet it delivers bold, comforting flavors every single time.
Ground Beef: The hearty base of this recipe. When browned to perfection, it brings a savory richness that’s irresistible.
Onion: Adds depth and a subtle sweetness. When sautéed with the beef, it fills the kitchen with an aroma that’s just pure comfort.
Garlic: A little punch of flavor that elevates the dish. Garlic lovers, don’t be shy—this is your moment.
Diced Tomatoes: These give the goulash its classic tomato flavor and a nice texture contrast to the meat and pasta.
Tomato Sauce: Helps create that rich, saucy base that ties everything together. It’s what makes this dish so wonderfully slurpable.
Beef Broth: Adds an extra layer of flavor and helps cook the pasta right in the pot. So much better than plain water.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for goulash. It soaks up all the saucy goodness and gives the dish its signature heartiness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash adds umami depth that takes it to the next level.
Italian Seasoning: A beautiful blend of herbs that infuses the goulash with cozy, familiar flavor.
Bay Leaf: Subtle, but it adds a little something-something as the dish simmers.
Salt & Pepper: For balance and a final flavor boost.
(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:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your stove and setting a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Getting everything warm and ready ensures even cooking and faster flavor-building.
Cook the Beef and Aromatics: Add ground beef and chopped onion to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for just a minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together to coat the beef in that rich, tomato goodness.
Season and Simmer: Add Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10–15 minutes to let the flavors deepen.
Add the Macaroni: Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick. This is when the magic really starts happening—everything comes together beautifully.
Finishing Touches: Remove the bay leaf and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle in a little shredded cheese or chopped parsley.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon it into bowls and serve warm. It’s rich, comforting, and ready to win over anyone at the table.
Nutrition Facts
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Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
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How to Serve American Goulash
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives or use plant-based ground meat.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative works well. Each brings a slightly different flavor, but they’re all delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare it fully, then refrigerate. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to keep the pasta from getting mushy.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Totally! Just use a larger pot and make sure to stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Q7: What pasta alternatives can I use?
A7: Shells, rotini, or penne work great too. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Q8: Is this recipe spicy?
A8: Not at all! But you can easily add heat with red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce.
Q9: Can I add vegetables?
A9: Definitely. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
Q10: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A10: You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth, or even water in a pinch.
Conclusion
American Goulash is one of those down-to-earth, soul-satisfying meals that makes everything feel just a little better. It’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—which means it’s perfect for just about anyone, anytime. Whether it becomes your new go-to weeknight dinner or your crowd-pleaser for potlucks, trust me—this one’s a keeper.
Print
American Goulash: 5 Best Tips for a Hearty Comfort Meal
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy American Goulash is a one-pot comfort food classic your whole family will love. Made with pantry staples like ground beef, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and elbow noodles, this hearty and flavorful dish is ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights. #AmericanGoulash #OnePotDinner #EasyDinnerRecipes #FamilyMeals #ComfortFood #GlutenFreeDinner #WeeknightMealIdeas
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1/2 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (approx. 8 shakes)
- 1 tsp + dash homemade seasoned salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup gluten-free elbow noodles, uncooked
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet with high sides or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, shallot or onion, and garlic. Break the beef up as it cooks. Season with Worcestershire sauce, a dash of seasoned salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned. Drain if needed and return to skillet.
- Add the remaining seasoned salt, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Turn heat to high and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the uncooked elbow noodles and continue to simmer, stirring often, for 12–14 minutes until the noodles are tender. Lower heat slightly near the end to keep a gentle simmer.
- Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra broth or water to loosen it up.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more noodles or let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg