If you grew up loving hearty, comforting meals that bring everyone to the table with smiles, then you will absolutely adore this classic American Goulash Recipe. It’s a deliciously simple one-pot wonder that blends tender ground beef with savory tomato sauce, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all brought together with a cozy mix of seasonings. This dish is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this American Goulash Recipe lies in using straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each component plays a crucial role, from the olive oil that begins the browning process to the spices that elevate the flavors and the cheese that adds that final creamy touch.
- Olive oil: Essential for browning the beef and building that rich base flavor.
- Lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein without too much fat, keeping the dish balanced.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Gives a warm, aromatic boost that complements the beef perfectly.
- Red or green bell pepper, chopped: Offers a pop of color and subtle sweetness to brighten the dish.
- Tomato sauce (14 oz can): Forms the thick, comforting base of the goulash’s rich sauce.
- Diced tomatoes with juices (14 oz can): Introduces texture and extra tomato freshness.
- Beef broth: Adds a savory depth, or mix with dry red wine for a subtle complexity.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances every bite with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that’s absolutely essential.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little subtle heat.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni: The star pasta that soaks up every delicious drop of sauce.
- Bay leaves: Infuse the sauce with a gentle, herbal note while it simmers.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Shredded cheddar (optional): Melts into the hot goulash, adding luxurious creaminess and gooey delight.
How to Make American Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start your American Goulash Recipe by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. As the beef browns, break it up with your spoon, stirring regularly until it’s fully cooked and golden, about 8 minutes. If you notice excess fat pooling, carefully spoon most of it out to keep the flavors clean and hearty.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Next, toss in the chopped bell pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Stir everything together, then crank the heat up until the pot comes to a boil, waking up all those flavors and mixing them into a savory sauce that’s rich and inviting.
Step 3: Cook the Macaroni and Simmer
With the pot boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and add the bay leaves. Turn the heat down to a lively simmer—enough to keep the sauce bubbling gently but without being wild (around medium heat works perfectly). Let it cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures it soaks up just the right amount of sauce as it cooks.
Step 4: Finish With Cheese and Season
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into creamy perfection, coating every bite with indulgent flavor. Cover the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to fully meld and the pasta to finish cooking. Finally, adjust salt and pepper to your taste and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve American Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
While the American Goulash Recipe tastes incredible on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little extra shredded cheddar on top elevates the presentation and adds a fresh touch. A dollop of sour cream can also bring a lovely cool creaminess that balances the warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is so hearty and filling, it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make excellent companions to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this American Goulash Recipe in individual mini casserole dishes or even stuff it into bell pepper halves topped with cheese for a fun twist. Another idea is to spoon it over baked potatoes for a comforting, cozy meal with an extra carb kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This American Goulash Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain flavor and freshness. When you’re ready, simply reheat until warmed through for a quick and satisfying meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the goulash for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it retains its delicious taste and texture, making it a perfect time-saver for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If the goulash feels a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Alternatively, microwaving in short bursts with stirring in between works well too.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for this American Goulash Recipe, you can swap in any small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep cooking times in mind and add pasta accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or even lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and the same flavorful spices will work beautifully.
How spicy is this goulash?
The heat level is very mild by default, thanks to only a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, which you can leave out entirely if you prefer no spice. You can adjust the spice to suit your taste by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Definitely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then add all ingredients except the cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, adding cheese in the last few minutes after stirring in the pasta.
What’s the best cheese to use in this recipe?
Cheddar is the classic choice for its meltiness and sharp flavor, but feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack or a mild mozzarella can give you a slightly different, equally delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
This American Goulash Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that’s both nostalgic and wonderfully satisfying. It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and delivers big on comfort and flavor every single time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving a warm, filling meal, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this recipe a try. Your taste buds—and everyone at your table—will thank you!
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 meal featuring tender ground beef simmered with tomatoes, bell peppers, and aromatic spices, combined with elbow macaroni and melted cheddar cheese for a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red or green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup beef broth (or 50/50 mix of broth and dry red wine)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the beef with a spoon until it is browned evenly. If there is excess fat, spoon out most of it carefully.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the chopped bell pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth (or the broth and red wine mixture), Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and bay leaves to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium to maintain a rapid simmer. Cook uncovered for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the pasta to finish cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
- For a spicier variation, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- The cheese is optional but adds a creamy, rich finish.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
