Authentic American Goulash Recipe for Hearty Weeknight Dinners

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s cozy, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to whip up, look no further than this American Goulash Recipe. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something warm, hearty, and full of rich flavors, this classic comfort food combines tender ground beef, tender pasta, and a robust tomato sauce that’s truly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this American Goulash Recipe delivers wholesome goodness in every bite and is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together quickly without fuss.
• Comfort Food Classic: Offers nostalgic, hearty flavors that satisfy hungry appetites and warm the soul.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in a single pan for convenience.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser everyone can enjoy, from kids to adults with familiar, mild flavors.
• Versatile Meal: Easy to customize with veggies, spices, or meat substitutes to fit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This American Goulash Recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that each play a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and inviting color. From savory ground beef to tender elbow macaroni, every component works in harmony.

• Ground Beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that makes the dish hearty and filling.
• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice that holds sauce and adds comforting chewiness.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add bright acidic notes and a juicy texture that balances richness.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a luscious, savory backbone for the dish’s signature red color and flavor.
• Onion and Garlic: Offer aromatic depth that infuses the dish with warmth and flavor complexity.
• Beef Broth: Enhances the sauce’s richness and helps cook the pasta right in the pan.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for melty, satisfying creaminess on top.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning bring balanced savory and smoky notes.

Variations for American Goulash Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to customize so you can tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and switch up ingredients without losing its comforting essence.

• Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with lentils or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Upgrade: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring in some heat.
• Cheesy Overload: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese along with cheddar for extra gooeyness.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and color.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular macaroni for whole wheat pasta to increase fiber without changing the taste.

How to Make American Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. This step builds flavor right at the start and ensures a satisfying meaty base.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until soft and fragrant. This creates the aromatic foundation that will elevate your goulash.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the meat mixture. Stir well to combine all the juicy, flavorful elements that will simmer together.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in your seasonings, including salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the elbow macaroni directly into the sauce and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has soaked up the delicious sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again for a few minutes to melt the cheese or serve it right away for a cheesy finish.

Pro Tips for Making American Goulash Recipe

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion add noticeable depth compared to pre-minced varieties.
• Don’t Skip Simmering: Letting the sauce cook slowly helps develop richer, more cohesive flavors.
• Stir Regularly When Adding Pasta: Prevent the macaroni from sticking to the pan for an even cook.
• Cheese Timing: Adding cheese off the heat keeps it melty without overcooking or separating.
• Double the Batch: American goulash freezes wonderfully for easy reheating later—perfect for meal prep.

How to Serve American Goulash Recipe

Garnishes

Top your American Goulash with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the dish.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread to balance the rich and dense textures of the goulash.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or potlucks, transfer the goulash into a cast-iron skillet or a casserole dish, sprinkle extra cheese, and broil briefly for a bubbly golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover American Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully—just cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce, stirring occasionally for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in American Goulash Recipe without sacrificing flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply swap the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta variety.

How spicy is American Goulash?

Traditional American Goulash Recipe is mild, but you can easily add spices like cayenne or chili flakes if you prefer a kick.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the meat and onions first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding pasta near the end.

Is American Goulash suitable for freezing?

Definitely! This recipe freezes well and retains flavor and texture when properly stored and reheated.

Final Thoughts

This American Goulash Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet hearty enough to satisfy the whole family. It combines simple ingredients to create big, cozy flavors with minimal fuss. Give it a try—once you do, it just might become your go-to meal for chilly evenings and relaxed dinners at home.

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