The Coziest American Goulash Recipe for Heartwarming Comfort

My grandma’s hearty american goulash always brings comfort during chilly evenings.

Memories of her kitchen inspire this classic midwestern dish that warms souls instantly.

Tender beef chunks mingle with soft macaroni in a rich, robust sauce.

Pantry staples create magic with simple ingredients anyone can master.

Fragrant herbs and spices dance through each delectable bite, promising deep satisfaction.

Quick and budget-friendly, this one-pot wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving – trust me.

Why American Goulash Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make this goulash uniquely yours, perfect for using what's in your pantry.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce, this dish satisfies hunger and brings families together around the table.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and simple cooking steps make this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry group, this goulash adapts to different occasions and feeding preferences.

American Goulash Ingredient Lineup

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the goulash.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These vegetables create a flavorful base and add depth to the dish.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provide a tangy and smooth tomato foundation for the goulash.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the overall meaty flavor and adds moisture to the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes a complex, savory depth to the recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an aromatic complexity.
• Bay Leaves: Impart a subtle, earthy background flavor.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that perfectly absorbs the goulash sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess and a rich, melty finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright note.

Mastering American Goulash Step by Step

Step 1: Sizzle Onions and Peppers

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Toss in onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent.

Add bell peppers and continue cooking until they become tender. Sprinkle garlic into the mix and let it sizzle for a quick minute.

Step 2: Season the Base

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Stir ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles using a wooden spatula.

Cook until the meat turns a rich golden brown, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Build Robust Flavors

• Italian seasoning
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tomato paste

Stir to blend everything together.

Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, add bay leaves, cover the pot, and lower the heat.

Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add beef broth and elbow macaroni to the pot.

Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until pasta reaches al dente texture. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent noodles from sticking together.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove pot from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and stir until melted.

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty American Goulash.

Simple Tricks for American Goulash Perfection

• Elevate your goulash by choosing lean ground beef for a healthier twist. Prevent noodles from becoming mushy by checking them a few minutes before the recommended cooking time. Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly. Balance flavors by adjusting seasoning gradually and tasting as you cook. For extra richness, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving.

Tasty Spins on American Goulash

• Spicy Southwest Goulash: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, swap elbow macaroni for corn chips, top with pepper jack cheese and cilantro.
• Mediterranean Lamb Goulash: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, use oregano instead of Italian seasoning, add kalamata olives, replace elbow macaroni with orzo pasta, garnish with crumbled feta.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Goulash: Replace ground beef with mixed mushrooms like portobello and shiitake, use vegetable broth, add smoked paprika, use quinoa instead of macaroni, sprinkle nutritional yeast on top.

What to Serve with American Goulash

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, hearty flavors of American Goulash with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that matches its meaty intensity.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side that soaks up the delicious tomato sauce and adds a crispy texture contrast to the soft pasta and beef.
• Refresh with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heavy goulash with a light, tangy salad featuring mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness.
• Complete with Chilled Beer Pairing: Enjoy a cold, malty American lager or amber ale that helps cleanse the palate and enhances the goulash's savory profile.

Storing American Goulash the Easy Way

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled goulash to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and flavor absorption.
• Freezer Preservation: Pack goulash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Reviving: Warm goulash in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture.

All About American Goulash—FAQs

• Is American Goulash different from traditional Hungarian Goulash?

American Goulash is a simplified version that uses ground beef, tomato sauce, and pasta, unlike the traditional Hungarian stew made with chunks of beef and served without noodles.

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to ensure good flavor and prevent excess grease in the dish.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free certified.

• How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?

You can reduce the amount of paprika or use mild paprika, and ensure the bell peppers are chopped very finely to make them less noticeable for picky eaters.

American Goulash Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets classic with this hearty American Goulash, blending rich ground beef, tender pasta, and savory tomato sauce into a soul-warming dish. Families will savor each comforting spoonful of this simple, satisfying meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 2 pounds ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
• 8 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or 2 cups water)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until shimmering.
2. Sauté onions until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 5 minutes, then add bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
4. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika across the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
5. Introduce ground beef into the pot, breaking into small crumbles using a wooden spatula. Cook until meat transforms from pink to rich brown, stirring consistently.
6. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce and blend in tomato paste, ensuring complete integration with meat and vegetables.
7. Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the mixture, bringing contents to a gentle simmer. Add bay leaves, reduce heat to low, and cover the pot.
8. Allow mixture to simmer quietly for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
9. Introduce beef broth and elbow macaroni, ensuring pasta is submerged. Cover and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until noodles reach perfect al dente texture.
10. Stir pasta intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
11. Remove from heat, fold in shredded cheese until melted and glossy.
12. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and added flavor.
13. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika quantity for heat-loving or mild-preference palates.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian options.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe celiac and gluten-sensitive friendly.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg