American Goulash is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes and plenty of flavor. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, and tomato sauce creates a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy. It also reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Elbow macaroni
Onion
Garlic
Tomato sauce
Diced tomatoes
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Cheddar cheese
Olive oil
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the elbow macaroni and stir well.
Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve hot with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: About 40 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Use spicy diced tomatoes or red pepper flakes for heat.
Stir in cream cheese for a richer texture.
Top with mozzarella cheese and broil briefly for a baked-style finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover American Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
You can freeze the goulash for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
FAQs
What is American Goulash?
American Goulash is a one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, seasonings, and macaroni.
Is American Goulash the same as Hungarian goulash?
No, Hungarian goulash is a stew made with beef and paprika, while American Goulash is a pasta-based comfort dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well and is excellent for meal prep.
What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other short pasta shapes also work well.
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook just until tender and avoid overcooking during reheating.
Can I make it cheesy?
Yes, cheddar cheese is commonly added for extra creaminess and flavor.
Can I freeze American Goulash?
Yes, it freezes well for several months.
What can I serve with American Goulash?
Garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables pair nicely with it.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and pasta make it very popular with kids.
Conclusion
American Goulash is a classic comfort food recipe that’s warm, filling, and easy to make. With its rich tomato flavor, tender pasta, and savory beef, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy families and cozy dinners alike. Whether served fresh or reheated the next day, it’s a timeless dish everyone will love.
American Goulash is a hearty one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and savory seasonings. This classic comfort food recipe is easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners or family meals.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:One-Pot/Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the elbow macaroni and stir well.
Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve hot with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.Use spicy diced tomatoes or red pepper flakes for added heat.Stir in cream cheese for a richer and creamier texture.Avoid overcooking the pasta to prevent mushiness.
