American Goulash is the undisputed champion of weeknight comfort food. It’s a nostalgic, hearty, and incredibly satisfying one-pot meal that brings the whole family to the table. This simple dish features savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, seasoned tomato sauce, all simmered together to perfection.
Unlike its Hungarian namesake, this American classic is less of a stew and more of a complete pasta dinner cooked in a single pot. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and guaranteed to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Goulash Recipe
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup an absolute breeze.
Family-Friendly: It’s a mild, savory, and cheesy dish that’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, inexpensive ingredients like ground beef and pasta.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table in under an hour.
Amazing Leftovers: The flavors meld together overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Essential Tools for Your One-Pot Meal
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this classic dish.
Large pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
The Simple Ingredients for Classic Goulash
This recipe uses straightforward pantry staples to create a meal packed with flavor.
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping (optional)
Crafting Your American Goulash, Step-by-Step
Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the goulash into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. The cheese will melt into the hot goulash, creating a delicious, gooey topping.
Serving Suggestions and Pro Tips
How to Serve American Goulash
With Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan is a must.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
A Simple Salad: A crisp green salad provides a fresh contrast to the hearty goulash.
How to Perfect American Goulash
Don’t Pre-cook the Pasta: The macaroni cooks directly in the sauce, which helps thicken it and infuses the pasta with flavor.
Use Lean Ground Beef: This will reduce the amount of grease you need to drain off.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onion.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the goulash at the end of cooking and add more salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed.
Best Side Dishes for American Goulash
Cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread is a fantastic pairing.
Roasted Broccoli: A simple and healthy side that adds a nice crunch.
Applesauce: A classic comfort food pairing that adds a touch of sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Draining the Beef: This can make the goulash greasy.
Forgetting to Stir: Stir the goulash occasionally as it simmers to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Overcooking the Pasta: Check the macaroni at the 15-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t get too mushy.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing American Goulash
This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating American Goulash
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between American Goulash and Hungarian Goulash?
Hungarian Goulash is a slow-cooked beef stew with paprika, typically served over noodles or potatoes. American Goulash is a quicker, one-pot pasta dish with ground beef and a tomato-based sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small to medium pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, or small shells would also work well.
Can I make this with ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great, leaner alternatives to ground beef.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the meat and onions first, then add all ingredients except the pasta to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
French 
English