If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying meal that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures, this American Goulash Recipe is going to win a special place in your heart and kitchen. Combining savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices, this dish feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to impress anyone who sits down to enjoy it. Trust me, once you try this classic American Goulash Recipe, it might just become your new go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect American Goulash Recipe, you just need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role in crafting that classic, comforting flavor and satisfying texture. From savory beef to zesty tomatoes and creamy cheese, every component elevates this dish beautifully.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that gives this dish its rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the vegetables while adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- Onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce when sautéed.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses a wonderful aroma and savory punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Brings a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and vibrant color to the mix.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every bite, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and beautiful reddish hue to the sauce.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb that complements the tomato base with its earthy, aromatic notes.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Provide juiciness and tang to create a rich, comforting sauce.
- Tomato sauce (canned): Thickens the base and deepens the tomato flavor for a luscious result.
- Beef broth: Adds savory richness and makes sure the macaroni cooks tender in the sauce.
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked): The perfect pasta shape for cradling the sauce in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, cheesy finish that brings everything together.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A bright, fresh garnish that adds a lovely pop of color and flavor.
How to Make American Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it turns a beautiful brown, breaking it apart with your spoon so it cooks evenly. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling too greasy. Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook this vibrant trio for about 4 to 5 minutes, until they soften and start to release their sweet, fragrant flavors that will form the backbone of your sauce.
Step 2: Season the Sauce Base
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, smoky paprika, and dried oregano over the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for about 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant. This quick step is essential because it wakes up all those wonderful aromas and starts blending the flavors, setting the stage for the rich tomato sauce to come.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring to combine everything. Turn up the heat slightly so the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni carefully, making sure the pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover your skillet or pot, and let it simmer for about 15 to 18 minutes. This simmering time is key because it allows the pasta to soak up all those savory flavors while cooking to the perfect tender bite. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Once the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir it in until it melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce. This cheesy finish adds richness and a lovely gooey texture that makes this American Goulash Recipe an irresistible comfort dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh touch that enhances both flavor and presentation. Serve your American Goulash Recipe piping hot, and get ready to enjoy every satisfying spoonful.
How to Serve American Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
While this dish shines on its own, adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. For an extra indulgent touch, consider topping with a little extra shredded cheddar or even a dollop of sour cream to complement the smoky, savory flavors.
Side Dishes
American Goulash Recipe is hearty enough to be a stand-alone meal, but if you’re in the mood for sides, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread are perfect companions. They add contrast and a refreshing crunch to balance the creamy texture of the goulash.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the goulash in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or scooped into large romaine leaves for a low-carb option. You can also bake it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden crust – a whole new way to enjoy this American Goulash Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
This American Goulash Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of beef broth or water to refresh the sauce and prevent it from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work well as leaner alternatives and still provide great flavor. You can even mix different meats for a personalized twist on the classic.
Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne also work beautifully, holding onto the sauce and flavors just as well.
How spicy is this American Goulash Recipe?
This recipe is mildly spiced, perfect for all palates. If you want to add a kick, try mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of cayenne to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils to keep the texture and flavor satisfying without meat.
How can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Feel free to toss in extra diced veggies like corn, peas, zucchini, or carrots along with the bell pepper. It’s a great way to boost nutrition and add vibrant colors to this comfort food classic.
Final Thoughts
This American Goulash Recipe is truly one of those timeless comfort dishes that never disappoints. Its hearty combination of flavors, cheesy richness, and the ease of one-pot cooking make it a true weeknight hero. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might find it becoming a beloved classic in your own home.
Print
American Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
American Goulash is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender elbow macaroni simmered in a flavorful tomato and beef broth sauce with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a melty layer of shredded cheddar cheese, all garnished with fresh parsley for a perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables and Season: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano, cooking for about 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Simmer the Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the dish from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor. Serve the American Goulash hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes during seasoning.
- This dish is versatile; you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or add vegetables such as corn or peas for added nutrition and color.
