This easy American goulash recipe combines ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and savory seasonings in one comforting pot. Perfect for an easy family dinner!
Introduction
Some recipes just feel like home, and American goulash is definitely one of those meals for me. I usually make this when I want something warm, filling, and comforting without making a complicated dinner.
It’s made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings, but somehow everything comes together into something incredibly flavorful. Honestly, I love that the whole meal can be made in one pot, which means fewer dishes at the end.
The beef becomes nicely browned and savory, the tomatoes create a rich sauce, and the macaroni cooks right in the mixture so it soaks up all those delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar, optional
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
If you prefer a slightly less acidic tomato flavor, add a small amount of sugar.
4. Bring to a Simmer
Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can start coming together.
5. Add the Macaroni
Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot.
Cover partially and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Cook until the macaroni is tender but not mushy.
6. Add Cheese
If you’re using cheese, stir in the shredded cheddar during the final few minutes of cooking.
Let it melt into the sauce until everything is creamy and well combined.
7. Rest and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the goulash sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a little extra shredded cheese if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook the macaroni. It will continue absorbing liquid as it sits.
- I usually stir the pot every few minutes while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
- Use lean ground beef if you want less grease.
- For extra flavor, brown the beef well before adding the other ingredients.
- If the goulash becomes too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth.
- If it looks too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Add shredded cheddar for a richer, cheesy version.
- Letting the finished goulash rest for a few minutes helps the sauce thicken nicely.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty goulash is filling enough to serve on its own, but I love pairing it with simple sides.
Try serving it with:
- Garlic bread
- Crusty dinner rolls
- Green salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
- Corn on the cob
- Cucumber and tomato salad
For a cozy family dinner, a bowl of hot goulash with some warm garlic bread on the side is honestly hard to beat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The macaroni will absorb more sauce as it sits, so when reheating, I usually add a splash of beef broth or water before warming it.
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm everything gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
Based on approximately 6 servings and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
Conclusion
This easy American goulash recipe is exactly the kind of dinner I love having in my regular rotation. It’s inexpensive, filling, comforting, and doesn’t require a long list of fancy ingredients.
Honestly, the best part is how easy it is. Everything cooks together in one pot, giving the macaroni plenty of time to soak up the rich tomato and beef flavors.
Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or simply craving an old-fashioned comfort meal, this simple beef and macaroni goulash is a recipe worth keeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is American goulash?
American goulash is a comforting one-pot dish typically made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings. It is different from traditional Hungarian goulash, which is generally made with chunks of meat and paprika-based seasoning.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Elbow macaroni works especially well, but you can use small shells, rotini, or another short pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you’re using.
3. Can I make this goulash cheesy?
Absolutely. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses near the end of cooking. The cheese melts into the tomato sauce and makes the dish extra creamy.
4. Can I make American goulash ahead of time?
Yes. It can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. Keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so add a little broth or water when reheating.
5. Can I add vegetables to goulash?
Definitely. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, corn, or spinach can all be added. I usually add vegetables after browning the beef so they have time to soften before the tomatoes and pasta go in.