Easy American Goulash
The Ultimate Comfort Food – American Goulash!
A hearty, one-pot wonder that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners! This American Goulash combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, savory tomato sauce for a cozy, satisfying meal. Made with everyday pantry ingredients, it’s budget-friendly, quick to make, and ideal for feeding a hungry family. The one-pot method minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making it a go-to dinner for busy nights or casual family meals. And for those who enjoy classic comfort recipes, this dish pairs wonderfully in style with a Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
American Goulash is a nostalgic, all-in-one dish that warms you from the inside out. Its combination of beef, tomato sauce, and pasta delivers hearty satisfaction while being easy to customize with spices and herbs. You can make it ahead of time, store leftovers for busy nights, and even swap in leaner proteins like ground turkey without losing flavor.
Easy American Goulash
Notes
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp beef base or bouillon
- 2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz) diced tomatoes (one petite diced)
- 3 bay leaves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh Italian parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- In a large stockpot, cook ground beef over medium heat until fully browned.
- Remove the beef, drain excess grease, leaving 1–2 tablespoons in the pot.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Return the beef to the pot.
- Add water, beef base, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, bay leaves, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
- Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and al dente.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
- Lean Meat Option: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to step 4, then refrigerate and reheat before adding cheese and parsley.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use different pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work well. Adjust cooking time to ensure they remain al dente.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef base or bouillon is gluten-free.
3. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally while simmering, and make sure there’s enough liquid. You can add a splash of water if needed.
4. Can I freeze American Goulash?
Yes! Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added along with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy American Goulash is a cozy, one-pot meal that combines tender beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for ultimate comfort. Quick to make, budget-friendly, and family-approved, it’s a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Perfect for weeknights, casual gatherings, or leftover-packed lunches.
