It’s officially that time of year when everyone starts craving hearty, comforting meals, and nothing hits the spot quite like American Goulash. This one-pot wonder is a simple dish, combining hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. It’s the perfect combination of warmth, nostalgia, and cozy vibes, making it a meal you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love American Goulash
- One-Pot Wonder- This American Goulash recipe only calls for one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash and less time spent cleaning up. Making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Budget-Friendly- Calling for basic pantry staples like ground meat, elbow pasta, diced tomatoes, and spices, American Goulash is affordable and easy to make.
- Kid-Friendly- The comforting flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s an ideal family meal that pleases even the picky eaters.
- Delicious Leftovers- Goulash typically tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld overnight.
- Classic Comfort Food- American Goulash is the definition of classic comfort food. The combination of beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce creates a meal that’s warm, filling, and satisfying.
Simple Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion
- Bell Pepper
- Ground Beef
- Minced Garlic
- Seasoned Salt
- Italian Seasoning
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Petite Diced Tomatoes
- Pasta Sauce
- Elbow Pasta
- Beef Broth
- Cheddar Cheese
How To Make Easy American Goulash
In a large pot over medium high heat add the olive oil, yellow onion and bell peppers. Allow the chopped onions and bell peppers to cook for 3-4 minutes to soften up then add in the ground meat. Cook the ground beef until no pink is visible then add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain off all the excess grease and season the meat with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour in the diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, elbow pasta and beef broth then stir until well combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until pasta is soft.
Serve & enjoy!
Tip and Tricks for The BEST Goulash
- Avoid Overcooking The Pasta- Add the elbow macaroni noodles at the right time, and be sure to cook it just until al dente. It will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so avoid overcooking in the pot.
- Let It Rest Before Serving- Let the goulash sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, making it even more delicious.
- Make It Ahead- Goulash tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time. Just reheat on the stove and add a splash of broth to loosen it up if needed.
- Cheese It Up- I recommend adding a sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese on top just before serving. The melted cheese adds a creamy finish to the dish.
- Spice It Up- If you like spice, you can easily add some heat to the dish by adding a few red pepper flakes or a little bit of hot sauce.
How To Store Leftovers
- Cool It Down- Allow the goulash to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish watery when reheated.
- Use Airtight Containers- Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
- Refrigerate- Store the leftover American Goulash in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze It- If you plan to keep the goulash for more than a few days, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Goulash can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating- To reheat refrigerated goulash, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Thawing Frozen Goulash- For frozen goulash, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat it directly from frozen on the stovetop, though it may take longer.
FAQ
- Is American Goulash spicy? American Goulash is typically mild, but you can add a kick by incorporating red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to taste.
- Can I make American Goulash ahead of time? Yes! Leftover goulash tastes great the next day. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making for delicious leftovers.
- Can I make American Goulash with different types of meat? Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile.
- What is the difference between American Goulash and Hungarian Goulash? American Goulash is a one-pot dish made with ground beef, tender pasta, and a tomato-based sauce, while traditional Hungarian Goulash is more of a beef stew, featuring chunks of beef, potatoes, vegetables, and paprika in a broth-like sauce.
- What sides can I serve this with? This is typically an all-in-one meal, but a simple side salad and toasted garlic bread really compliments this easy recipe.
If you gave this recipe a try, drop a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Still hungry? Check out a few more of my favorites:
Adjust Servings people
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 15 ounces Petite Diced Tomatoes Drained
- 3 cups Pasta Sauce
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 2 ½ cups Beef Broth
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium high heat add the olive oil, onions and bell pepper. Allow the onions and bell pepper to cook for 3-4 minutes to soften up then add in the ground beef. Cook the ground beef until no pink is visible. Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain off all the excess grease and season the meat with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, elbow pasta and beef broth. Stir until well combined. Bring mixture to a simmer and allow it to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until pasta is soft. Serve & enjoy!
Notes
If the goulash seems soupy, let it sit and cool some. The excess broth will soak into the pasta.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
0 Comments