Hearty American Goulash Recipe That Warms The Soul

Comfort food reaches new heights with this simple American goulash that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a symphony of flavor and nostalgia.

Ground beef sizzles alongside tender macaroni, creating a classic one-pot wonder.

Pantry staples transform into a delicious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Packed with rich tomato sauce and robust seasonings, this dish promises a satisfying experience for hungry souls.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe delivers deep, home-cooked goodness in every single bite.

Grab a spoon and savor the ultimate weeknight dinner that never disappoints.

How to Store and Reheat American Goulash

• Seal cooled goulash in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dish flat to maintain even texture and prevent moisture separation.
• Transfer completely cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing with fresh parsley garnish.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add splash of chicken broth if pasta seems dry.

FAQs

• Is American goulash the same as traditional Hungarian goulash?

No, American goulash is quite different. It’s a one-pot pasta dish with ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta, while Hungarian goulash is a hearty beef stew with chunks of meat and no pasta.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just ensure it’s browned completely and has similar seasoning to maintain the dish’s rich flavor.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Add pasta towards the end of cooking and stir occasionally. Use the recommended cooking time and check pasta tenderness to avoid overcooking. The liquid should be mostly absorbed when pasta is done.

Easy American Goulash: Hearty, Saucy, and Family-Friendly

• Dive into a hearty one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying.
• Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make this recipe your own, creating a flexible meal that adapts to your family's taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• Kids and adults alike will love this classic American goulash, packed with tender pasta, savory beef, and rich tomato sauce that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
• Using just one pot means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal and spend quality moments with loved ones instead of standing over the sink.

Grocery List for American Goulash Perfection

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this classic American dish.
• Pasta: A comforting staple that absorbs the rich flavors of the goulash.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory foundation for the dish's flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and add a subtle kick.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika: Herbs and spices that bring warmth and complexity to the goulash.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the meat and vegetables while adding a subtle richness.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce, Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Create a robust, tangy tomato base for the goulash.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a umami and slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
• Parsley, Cheese: Fresh herbs and melted cheese for garnish and added flavor.

Kitchen Equipment for Stress-Free Goulash

• Large Dutch Oven or Pot: Essential for browning beef and creating the goulash base.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up beef while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like broth and seasonings.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping onions and garlic.
• Colander: Optional for draining excess fat from beef.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Handy if using block cheese for topping.

How to Simmer Up a Pot of American Goulash

Step 1: Brown Meaty Goodness

In a hefty dutch oven, warm olive oil over medium-high heat.

• Ground beef
• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook everything together, breaking beef into delightful crumbles until it’s completely browned.

Sprinkle in salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.

Drain away any extra fat.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Swirl tomato paste into the meat mixture, ensuring it’s fully blended and coats everything beautifully.

Step 3: Build Liquid Magic

• Chicken broth
• Marinara sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika

Give everything a gentle stir and season with additional salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Bring the mixture to a boil, then carefully add pasta.

Cover the pot, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and let it cook.

Stir occasionally until pasta becomes wonderfully tender, around 14 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

• Shredded cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate immediately and top with extra cheese and parsley if you’re feeling indulgent.

Dive into this comforting American classic!

Classic Tips for Comforting Goulash Every Time

• Remove excess grease after browning beef to prevent a greasy texture and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Select small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells that capture sauce and blend seamlessly with the meat mixture.
• Adjust chicken broth amount to achieve desired sauciness; less liquid creates a thicker goulash, more creates a soupier texture.
• Let goulash rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to help it melt smoothly and distribute evenly throughout the dish.
• Chop parsley just before adding to preserve bright color and maximize fresh flavor intensity in the final dish.

Goulash Mix-Ins and Flavor Ideas

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the classic goulash taste profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add chopped kalamata olives, swap Italian seasoning for oregano, and include crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation with extra zesty kick.

Ways to Serve Up Hearty American Goulash

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve this hearty goulash in large, deep bowls to capture all the delicious sauce and chunks of beef.
• Comfort Companion Pairings: Crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls perfectly complement the rich, savory flavors of the goulash.
• Fresh Green Sidekick: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, meaty main dish.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or parmesan on top for an additional layer of creamy, tangy goodness that melts beautifully into the hot goulash.

Easy American Goulash Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic American goulash delivers hearty comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens. Rich beef and pasta blend together with simple seasonings, promising warm satisfaction for hungry families seeking a quick, delicious meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• A few turns of fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups macaroni pasta, uncooked

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Instructions

1. In a spacious dutch oven, sizzle olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce onion, garlic, and ground beef, browning thoroughly while crumbling meat until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Drain excess grease, then integrate tomato paste evenly throughout the meat mixture.
3. Pour chicken broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and paprika into the pot. Season with salt and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile.
4. Elevate mixture to a rolling boil, then introduce pasta. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
5. Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese and fresh parsley, allowing ingredients to meld harmoniously.
6. Transfer to serving dishes immediately, optionally garnishing with additional cheese and chopped parsley for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the classic dish.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
• Add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor complexity and richness in the sauce.
• Consider replacing beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg