Are you in the mood for a cozy, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than American Goulash! This classic one-pot meal combines ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and spices into a savory, comforting dish that's perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make the best American Goulash from scratch. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, tips, and FAQs to make sure your goulash turns out perfect every time!

What is American Goulash?
American Goulash, sometimes called "slumgullion" or simply "goulash," is a traditional American comfort food that shouldn’t be confused with Hungarian Goulash. While Hungarian Goulash is a stew made with chunks of beef and lots of paprika, American Goulash is a quick, one-pot pasta dish. It features ground beef, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and elbow macaroni, creating a warm, filling meal that's loved by kids and adults alike.
American Goulash is popular for its simplicity, affordability, and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks.
Ingredients List for American Goulash
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic American Goulash recipe that serves about 4-6 people:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey as a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (green or red works well)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water if you don’t have broth)
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about American Goulash is how adaptable it is! Here are some substitutions and variations to customize this dish to your taste.
- Meat Substitution: You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or extra bell peppers. You could also add a plant-based ground beef substitute.
- Spicier Goulash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to give your goulash a bit of heat.
- Different Pasta Shapes: If you don’t have elbow macaroni, feel free to use another small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne.
- Extra Vegetables: Bulk up your goulash with added vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or spinach. They add extra nutrition and flavor!
- Cheesier Goulash: Add extra shredded cheese to make it creamier, or top with mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy crust on top.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make American Goulash? Follow these steps to create a delicious and hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Set everything aside so it’s ready when you need it.
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little olive oil if needed. Then, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato sauce, stirring to combine.
- Pour in the Broth and Pasta: Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir everything together so the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Cooked: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Optional Cheese Addition: If you want a cheesy goulash, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top once the pasta is cooked. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, or cover for a few minutes to let it melt on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Once your American Goulash is ready, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Cook American Goulash: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the Ground Beef: Start with browning the ground beef in a large pot. This adds a savory depth to the dish.
- Add Veggies and Garlic: Once the meat is cooked, add your chopped vegetables and minced garlic.
- Season and Simmer: Season the meat and vegetables with spices, then add tomatoes and broth.
- Add Pasta and Cook Until Tender: Stir in uncooked pasta, cover, and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked.
- Optional Cheese Melt: Add shredded cheese if you want a gooey, cheesy texture.
- Serve: Garnish and serve the goulash while it’s hot!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Cooking the Pasta in the Sauce: Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce infuses it with flavor, so avoid cooking it separately.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Check your pasta as it cooks to avoid mushy noodles.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the spices; they’re what make this dish so flavorful.
- Not Stirring Occasionally: Stir every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Serving and Presentation Tips
American Goulash is a hearty, rustic dish that doesn't require fancy presentation, but a few small touches can elevate it.
- Serve in Bowls: Goulash is best enjoyed in a cozy bowl. Use deep bowls to hold in the heat and keep the sauce from spilling over.
- Garnish with Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of green that brightens up the dish and makes it look more appetizing.
- Top with Extra Cheese: For a gooey, cheesy topping, add an extra sprinkle of cheese right before serving.
- Serve with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up the sauce.
How to Serve American Goulash
American Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides to make it even heartier:
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad or Caesar salad is a great way to add some greens to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: The perfect companion for goulash, garlic bread adds a crispy, garlicky touch.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans for extra nutrition.
Presentation Ideas for American Goulash
- Serve in Cast-Iron Skillets: Serving in mini cast-iron skillets gives a rustic, homestyle feel.
- Individual Bowls with Garnish: Garnish each bowl with a sprig of parsley and a sprinkle of cheese for a polished look.
- Add a Drizzle of Olive Oil: For an extra shine, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top before serving.
American Goulash Recipe Tips
- Add Broth Gradually: If the mixture starts to look dry while simmering, add a bit more broth or water to keep the pasta from sticking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or parsley, toss some in for an added layer of flavor.
- Make It Ahead: American Goulash tastes even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make it in advance!
- Double the Recipe: This dish freezes well, so consider doubling the recipe and storing half for later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze American Goulash?
A: Yes, American Goulash freezes well! Just let it cool, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth if needed to keep it from drying out.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work great in this recipe.
Q: How can I make it more flavorful?
A: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine for extra depth, or experiment with spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning.
Q: What if I don’t have beef broth?
A: You can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or just water in a pinch. Beef broth adds richness, but the recipe will still taste great without it.
Conclusion
American Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory flavors, satisfying textures, and a cozy warmth that’s perfect for any occasion. This simple one-pot recipe is easy to follow, versatile, and budget-friendly. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that the whole family will love. So why not give it a try tonight? You might just discover your new favorite comfort dish!
PrintAmerican Goulash Recipe
This classic American Goulash recipe combines ground beef, pasta, and a flavorful blend of tomatoes and spices for a cozy, one-pot meal. A simple, delicious dish ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Try this easy American favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: one pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then add the uncooked macaroni.
- Cover and cook on low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a more robust flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. This goulash can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760 mg
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