American Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Unlike the traditional Hungarian goulash, which is more of a stew, American Goulash is a quick and easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish is loved for its simplicity, versatility, and how it feeds a crowd with minimal effort. Keep reading to discover how to make this classic comfort food, along with tips, variations, and helpful cooking instructions.
What Is American Goulash?
American Goulash, also known as "Slumgullion" or simply goulash, is a comforting and budget-friendly dish that typically consists of ground beef, elbow macaroni, onions, and a tomato sauce. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s rich in flavor, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights or large family gatherings. It’s often seasoned with garlic, paprika, and Italian herbs, with the pasta cooking directly in the sauce to absorb all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients List for American Goulash
For the Goulash:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 for a good balance of flavor and fat)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for extra richness)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, adds umami flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 8 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan (for garnish, optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Meat Options: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition. Spinach or kale can be stirred in at the end for added greens.
- Cheese Options: Top the goulash with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Pasta Variations: If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells.
- Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist on the classic recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- If there’s excess fat, drain the beef, leaving just a little bit of fat in the pot for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Base
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste (if using), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
- Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water as needed.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
- Once the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you like a hint of sweetness, you can add the optional sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Optional: Stir in shredded cheese or sprinkle cheese on top to melt before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese, and serve hot!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce and soften slightly after cooking.
- Not Simmering the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes before adding the pasta to deepen the flavors. This step ensures a rich and flavorful goulash.
- Undersalting: Be sure to taste the goulash after it’s cooked and adjust the seasoning as needed. The tomato sauce and pasta absorb a lot of flavor, so you may need to add a bit more salt at the end.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve American Goulash
American Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of sides to round out the meal. Serve it with garlic bread, a green salad, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For extra comfort, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese on top or serve it with a dollop of sour cream.
Presentation Ideas for Goulash
- Family-Style Serving: Serve the goulash directly from the pot at the table. Place it in the middle and let everyone help themselves to a hearty portion.
- Garnish for Color: Brighten up the dish by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Individual Portions: For a more polished presentation, ladle the goulash into individual bowls and top each with a small amount of shredded cheese or fresh herbs.
American Goulash Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: Goulash actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Make a big batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Freezer-Friendly: This goulash freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Extra Creaminess: For a creamier version of American goulash, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of sour cream right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version of American goulash by omitting the ground beef and using plant-based meat crumbles or adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove with a little extra water or broth to loosen the sauce.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily to feed a crowd or for meal prep. Just make sure you’re using a large enough pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
5. What can I serve with goulash?
Goulash pairs well with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This American Goulash recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for meal prep. With its tender pasta, flavorful beef, and rich tomato sauce, it’s a delicious and satisfying one-pot meal that everyone will love. Simple to make and full of customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it hot with your favorite sides, and enjoy a comforting dish that warms the soul!
PrintAmerican Goulash Recipe
This American goulash recipe is a comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s an easy and hearty dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights, delivering big flavor with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Green bell pepper
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Elbow macaroni
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Bay leaf
- Cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in cheddar cheese if using.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
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