American Goulash Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings? This American Goulash recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty, one-pot wonder combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make.

Unlike its Hungarian counterpart, American Goulash is a beloved Midwestern dish that has graced dinner tables for generations. Follow this simple recipe to create a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potluck dinners, or whenever you’re craving something warm and filling. Let’s dive into this classic recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

What is American Goulash?

American Goulash, also known as “slumgullion” or “American chop suey” in some regions, is a hearty pasta dish that originated in the American Midwest during the early 20th century. Despite sharing a name with the traditional Hungarian stew, American Goulash is quite different in both preparation and ingredients.

This comfort food classic features ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and a blend of simple seasonings all cooked together in one pot. The dish became popular during the Great Depression when families needed to stretch their food budget with filling, affordable ingredients. Today, it remains a favorite because it’s quick to prepare, uses common pantry staples, and feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

The beauty of American Goulash lies in its simplicity and versatility. Every family seems to have their own variation, passed down through generations, making it a truly personal and nostalgic dish for many Americans.

Ingredients List for American Goulash

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Cook American Goulash: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating the perfect American Goulash is easier than you might think. Here’s my detailed guide to ensure your dish turns out flavorful and satisfying every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

• Start by dicing your onion and bell pepper into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Mince the garlic and set aside.
• Have all your canned ingredients opened and ready to use.
• Measure out your seasonings in advance to streamline the cooking process.

2. Brown the Ground Beef:

• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
• Cook for about 6-8 minutes until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains.
• Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce Base:

• Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
• Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
• Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add the Pasta and Simmer:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni.
• Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
• Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

6. Finish and Serve:

• Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
• Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
• Top with the remaining cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

American Goulash is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations I recommend:

• Ground Meat: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a combination for different flavors. For a leaner option, use 93/7 ground beef.
• Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
• Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend instead of cheddar for variety.
• Vegetables: Add corn, diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice Level: Include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who like heat.
• Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can elevate the flavor profile significantly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve learned from experience that avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your American Goulash turns out perfectly:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta continues cooking in the sauce, aim for just shy of al dente to prevent mushiness.
• Not Draining the Beef Properly: Excess grease can make the dish too oily and affect the sauce consistency.
• Skipping the Tomato Paste Cooking Step: Raw tomato paste can taste harsh; cooking it for a minute or two mellows the flavor.
• Adding Cheese Too Early: Adding cheese while the pot is still on heat can cause it to become stringy or separate.
• Insufficient Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process for the best flavor.

How to Serve American Goulash

American Goulash is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but I love pairing it with complementary sides that enhance the overall dining experience. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich, savory goulash. Warm dinner rolls or cornbread are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

For beverages, I recommend serving with cold beer, iced tea, or sparkling water with lemon. The meal feels complete when served family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves to this comforting dish that naturally brings people together around the dinner table.

Presentation Ideas for American Goulash

While American Goulash is inherently a casual, comfort food dish, you can still make it look appealing with these simple presentation ideas:

• Colorful Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Cheese Presentation: Instead of mixing all the cheese in, reserve some to sprinkle on top, then briefly place under the broiler for a golden, bubbly finish.
• Individual Servings: Serve in individual bowls topped with a small dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika.
• Cast Iron Serving: If you cooked it in a cast iron Dutch oven, serve directly from the pot for a rustic, homestyle presentation.

American Goulash Recipe Tips

Here are my tried-and-true tips for making the best American Goulash every time:

• Choose the Right Beef: An 80/20 fat ratio provides the best flavor without being too greasy.
• Don’t Rush the Browning: Properly browning the beef develops deeper flavors that enhance the entire dish.
• Layer the Seasonings: Season at each step rather than all at once for more complex flavors.
• Use Quality Tomato Products: Since tomatoes are a major component, using good-quality canned tomatoes makes a noticeable difference.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the goulash to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken naturally.
• Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more beef broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.

How to Store American Goulash

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy leftover American Goulash for several days. Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. The flavors often improve after a day or two as they have time to meld together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make American Goulash ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little broth if needed to restore the proper consistency.

Q: Can I freeze American Goulash?
A: Yes, American Goulash freezes well for up to 3 months. However, the pasta texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to freeze it.

Q: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A: You can substitute with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a bouillon cube. The beef broth adds richness, but other options will still produce a delicious result.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything except the pasta and cheese to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours, add the pasta in the last 30 minutes, then stir in the cheese just before serving.

Q: How can I make this healthier?
A: Use lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, reduce the cheese, and add extra vegetables like diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

American Goulash represents everything I love about comfort food cooking – it’s simple, satisfying, and brings families together around the dinner table. This one-pot wonder proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create something truly delicious and memorable.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight, preparing a dish for a potluck, or simply craving something warm and comforting, this American Goulash recipe delivers every time. The combination of savory beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce creates a meal that’s both nostalgic and completely satisfying.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different vegetables, seasonings, or cheese varieties. Like many classic American dishes, the beauty of goulash lies in its adaptability and the personal touches each cook brings to it. Happy cooking, and enjoy creating new memories with this timeless comfort food classic!