Published on January 17, 2024 American Goulash- this easy goulash recipe is made with ground beef, onions, bell pepper, a rich tomato sauce, herbs, and elbow macaroni. This one pot meal is a family favorite and perfect for busy weeknights! This American Goulash is also a popular comfort food dish. It is made with ground beef, veggies, garlic, a rich tomato sauce, beef broth, herbs, and elbow macaroni noodles. It is similar to spaghetti, but goulash combines the meat sauce and pasta in one pot. We also like to top goulash with shredded cheddar cheese for extra deliciousness! American goulash is different than Hungarian goulash, which is a rich beef stew made with chunks of meat and heavily seasoned with paprika. American Goulash is the perfect weeknight meal. It only takes about 30 minutes to make and is made with basic ingredients. It is a family favorite, kids especially love this hearty and wholesome dish. Cozy, comforting, and always a dinner winner!
Ingredients
Olive oil– for sautéing the veggies! Onion– chopped. Red bell pepper– seeds removed and chopped. Ground beef– we prefer lean ground beef. You can use ground turkey or chicken. Garlic cloves– minced. Beef broth– use your favorite brand. Tomato sauce– to give the dish a rich tomato flavor. Diced tomatoes– don’t drain, you want to include all of the tomato juices. Worcestershire sauce– it has a strong unami flavor that gives the dish a nice flavor boost. Spices– bay leaf, Italian seasoning, and paprika Elbow macaroni– look for elbow macaroni in the pasta aisle. Cheddar cheese– we like to top the goulash with shredded cheddar cheese right before serving. Italian parsley– for garnish.
How to Make American Goulash
n a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add the ground beef, breaking up the meat into small pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook until meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the macaroni and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick.
When the pasta is done, remove the bay leaf and ladle the goulash into bowls. Top with shredded cheese and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Variations
You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. Italian sausage will also work or a mix of sausage and ground beef. Add additional vegetables. Mushrooms, carrots, and celery are good options. Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can use gluten-free pasta, chickpea pasta, or your favorite pasta. If you can’t find elbows, use another small pasta. Instead of sweet paprika, use smoked paprika to give the dish a slight smoky flavor. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want to the goulash to have a little kick. Use your favorite shredded cheese or omit the cheese if you need the recipe to be dairy-free. Add a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to your bowl for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Salad– kale salad, green salad, butter lettuce salad, Caesar salad, or arugula salad Roasted Broccoli Green Beans– roasted Green Beans or green beans almondine Roasted Carrots Garlic Bread Easy Cornbread Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
How to Store
Let the goulash cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pot on the stove top. You can freeze goulash. Let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Transfer to a baking dish and cover with desired amount of cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stove top.
More Pasta Recipes
Spaghetti Baked Mac and Cheese Spaghetti and Meatballs Spaghetti Carbonara Stovetop Mac and Cheese Baked Spaghetti Taco Pasta
American Goulash
Nutrition
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