American Goulash Recipe

If you're craving a comforting, hearty dish that’s easy to make, American Goulash is the perfect recipe for you! This classic one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce for a satisfying and budget-friendly dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking for a simple family dinner, American Goulash is a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Read on for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and delicious variations to customize your goulash!

this Recipe

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What is American Goulash?

American Goulash is a simple, one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce, often flavored with onions, garlic, and spices. Despite its name, American Goulash is different from traditional Hungarian goulash, which is a beef stew. American Goulash is more like a hearty, beefy pasta dish, and it’s beloved for its ease of preparation and comforting flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food and a great option for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients List for American Goulash

To make this flavorful and easy American Goulash, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ground Beef (85% lean) – 1 pound, for a hearty base.
• Elbow Macaroni – 2 cups (uncooked), a classic pasta choice for goulash.
• Onion – 1 medium, diced, for added flavor and texture.
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced, to enhance the savory flavors.
• Green Bell Pepper – 1 small, diced, optional for a pop of color and flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes (canned) – 1 can (14.5 oz), to form the base of the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce – 1 can (15 oz), for a rich, saucy texture.
• Beef Broth (or water) – 2 cups, for cooking the pasta and adding depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon, for a boost of savory flavor.
• Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon, for a hint of herbs.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, for a mild smoky flavor.
• Salt – 1 teaspoon, to taste.
• Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon, to taste.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional) – 1 cup, for an extra cheesy topping.

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Substitutions and Variations

American Goulash is an adaptable dish, and you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. It’s just as tasty and a bit lighter.
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use plant-based crumbles or sautéed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a veggie-packed version.
• Pasta Choices: While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells if you prefer.
• Add Veggies: Amp up the nutrition by adding diced carrots, celery, or spinach to the dish.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy ground sausage instead of beef.
• Cheesy Topping: Stir in shredded cheese toward the end of cooking or sprinkle it on top when serving for an extra layer of richness.

These substitutions allow you to customize the dish based on what you have available or to make it healthier or vegetarian-friendly!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make American Goulash step-by-step:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
   • Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • Add the diced onion, garlic, and green bell pepper (if using) to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
   • Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   • Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
   • If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a little more beef broth or water to loosen it up.
5. Optional Cheesy Addition:
   • If you’re adding cheese, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar during the last 2 minutes of cooking, or sprinkle it on top and cover until melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the pasta is cooked and the dish is hot and bubbly, remove it from the heat. Serve the American Goulash hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

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How to Cook American Goulash: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick overview of the steps for making American Goulash:

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Sauté the vegetables (onion, garlic, bell pepper) until soft.
3. Add the tomatoes and seasonings to the pot and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the pasta directly in the sauce, stirring occasionally.
5. Optional: Add cheese during the last few minutes for extra richness.
6. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, hearty dish!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks in the sauce. Overcooked pasta will become mushy, so check it a few minutes before the recommended time.
• Not Draining the Fat: If your ground beef is too fatty, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning. This will prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
• Too Much Liquid: The beef broth helps cook the pasta and creates a saucy consistency, but if you add too much, the dish can become soupy. Start with the recommended amount and only add more if needed.
• Undercooked Veggies: Be sure to sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper until they’re softened to avoid crunchy bits in your goulash.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

American Goulash is a cozy, family-style dish that’s best served straight from the pot, but there are a few ways you can elevate the presentation:

How to Serve American Goulash:

• Family-Style: Serve the goulash straight from the pot or Dutch oven at the table. It’s perfect for a casual, comforting meal.
• Individual Bowls: Ladle the goulash into bowls and top with shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or even a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch.
• With Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Presentation Ideas for American Goulash:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil over the top to add color and freshness to the dish.
• Cheesy Finish: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle extra cheddar or mozzarella on top and pop the dish under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
• Side Salad: Serve the goulash alongside a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

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American Goulash Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: Goulash tastes even better the next day! You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.
• Freezing Tip: American Goulash freezes well! Cool it completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
• Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, using fresh parsley or basil to garnish the dish adds a bright, fresh flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make American Goulash gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta, and ensure that your other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free.

What other types of pasta can I use?
You can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned tomatoes with fresh diced tomatoes. You’ll need about 3-4 fresh tomatoes to replace a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add a kick, you can include red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños while cooking the ground beef.

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Conclusion:

This American Goulash Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, deliciously hearty, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. With tender ground beef, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, this one-pot meal comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying, no-fuss dinner. Whether you enjoy it as is, or with extra cheese or veggies, this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner table. Enjoy every bite!

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