American Goulash

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Rich, hearty, and irresistibly comforting — American Goulash is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. This classic one-pot dish blends elbow macaroni with seasoned ground beef and a robust tomato sauce, all simmered together to create a dish that’s savory, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, American Goulash delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is quick to put together and even quicker to disappear. It’s a go-to for those craving something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. Every spoonful is a balance of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and just the right amount of seasoning — making it a family favorite across generations.

Why You’ll Love This American Goulash

American Goulash is a perfect storm of simplicity and taste. It’s an affordable, pantry-friendly recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a full-bodied, cozy dinner. Its one-pot nature means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family or unwind after a long day. Plus, it’s extremely versatile — you can tweak the spices, add veggies, or change the protein to suit your tastes.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make American Goulash, you’ll need a few kitchen staples: a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for cooking everything evenly, a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring the sauce without scratching your cookware, a colander for draining the pasta if cooked separately, and a sharp knife for prepping onions or garlic if you’re using fresh. Each tool plays a role in ensuring smooth preparation, even cooking, and easy handling throughout the process.

Preparation Tips

For best results, brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop flavor before adding the liquids. Use a deep pot to avoid spills, and if you’re adding diced onions or garlic, sauté them until golden before the meat goes in. Don’t overcook the pasta — you want it al dente since it will continue to soak up the sauce as it sits. Season gradually and taste as you go to fine-tune the balance. A pinch of sugar can help cut the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.

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Ingredients for this American Goulash

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans of tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

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Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

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Step 3: Season the Meat

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and basil. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the spices. Add Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, stirring until the paste is fully incorporated.

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Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine. Add bay leaves and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

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Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and cook for another 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy. If the mixture thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.

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Step 6: Finish with Cheese (Optional)

Remove bay leaves. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using, until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the goulash into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

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Notes

American Goulash is an ideal make-ahead meal. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers even more delicious the next day. It’s highly customizable — you can swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat, and add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost the veggie content. If you prefer a spicier version, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will add the right kick. Also, if you want a more stew-like texture, simply reduce the amount of pasta or add more broth.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: Since the pasta cooks in the sauce, it can go from perfectly tender to mushy quickly. Keep a close eye during the final minutes.
• Skipping the browning stage: Browning the beef properly builds flavor. Don’t rush this part.
• Underseasoning: Tomato-based dishes need proper seasoning. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust.
• Using too much liquid: This dish should be saucy but not soupy. Avoid over-pouring broth or water.
• Forgetting to stir while simmering: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom and ensure even cooking.

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Storage Instructions

Allow the goulash to cool to room temperature before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce when reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 740mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use penne, rotini, or any small pasta shape. Just keep the cooking time in mind.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You can! Brown the beef and aromatics first, then transfer everything (except the pasta) to a slow cooker. Add the pasta in the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or use lentils and increase the vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. Just make sure your pot is big enough and adjust cooking times slightly. It’s great for parties and potlucks.

Why is my pasta too soft?

Overcooking or letting the dish sit too long before serving can soften the pasta. Try slightly undercooking it if you’re planning to reheat.

Is it possible to make it dairy-free?

Yes, just omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The dish will still be flavorful.

What sides go well with American Goulash?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables pair well. It’s also great on its own.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but you’ll need to peel and crush them, and they may require longer cooking to break down properly.

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Conclusion

American Goulash is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. It’s perfect for feeding the whole family or prepping meals in advance. Whether you stick to the classic or make it your own with added vegetables or spice, it promises to be a warm and satisfying meal every time. It’s a timeless favorite that deserves a place in every home cook’s rotation.

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