American Goulash

American Goulash is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together tender ground beef, soft macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce. Each bite is a delightful combination of cheesy, meaty flavors that will instantly warm your heart and soul. The one-pot preparation makes it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying family dinner.

This dish is wonderfully adaptable – you can add your favorite vegetables, swap the cheese for a dairy-free version, or even make it extra saucy for a soup-like consistency. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this American Goulash will hit the spot every time with its home-style goodness.

Full Recipe:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, minced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika (optional)
2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or 2 cups water)
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes, until it starts to soften. Add the bell pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Reduce heat to medium and add salt, pepper, and paprika to the mixture. Mix well.
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spatula. Stir frequently and cook until browned.
Mix in the Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, bring to a simmer, add bay leaves, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the beef broth and elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent noodles from sticking.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 661 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

History & Origins of American Goulash

American Goulash, also known as “slumgullion” or “American Chop Suey,” is a classic comfort food dish that has roots in the Midwest and Southern parts of the United States. It should not be confused with the traditional Hungarian Goulash, which is more of a beef stew made with chunks of meat, bell peppers, and a rich, paprika-based sauce. American Goulash, on the other hand, is characterized by its use of ground beef, macaroni noodles, and tomato-based sauce, often enhanced with spices and cheese. This simple, hearty dish became a household favorite as it is easy to prepare, affordable, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: This dish comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze and saving you time in the kitchen. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy.
Kid-Friendly & Family Approved: The combination of cheesy noodles and flavorful meat sauce is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a recipe that reminds many people of home-cooked meals from their childhood.
Adaptable to Tastes & Dietary Needs: You can easily adapt this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version or adding more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or celery for a nutrient boost. You can also make it dairy-free by leaving out the cheese or substituting it with a plant-based alternative.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors of American Goulash only get better the next day, making it great for leftovers. It’s easy to reheat and makes for a perfect lunch or quick dinner option throughout the week.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Goulash

Choose Your Meat Wisely: You can use lean ground beef to reduce the grease in the dish. Alternatively, ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes for a lighter option.
Adjust the Spices to Taste: Paprika adds a nice depth and smokiness to the dish, but you can adjust or omit it if desired. Italian seasoning provides a lovely herbaceous note, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds umami flavor.
Prevent Soggy Noodles: To ensure your noodles maintain their texture, cook them to al dente in the sauce. Stir the pot frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
Customize with Vegetables: While the traditional American Goulash keeps it simple, you can elevate the nutritional content by adding vegetables like diced carrots, corn, spinach, or peas.
Cheesy Goodness: Adding shredded cheddar cheese at the end creates a creamy, comforting finish. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like parmesan or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

American Goulash is best enjoyed warm, right off the stove. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with sides like:

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
Warm garlic bread or crusty rolls
Steamed green beans, broccoli, or roasted vegetables

Storage & Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, American Goulash stores beautifully. Simply allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. However, if you’re planning to freeze it, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them when you’re ready to serve to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the goulash on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce.

Variations of American Goulash

Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring some heat to the dish.
Creamy Goulash: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving for a richer, creamier sauce.
Tex-Mex Goulash: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn for a southwestern twist, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese and diced avocado.
Veggie Goulash: Swap the ground meat for lentils or mushrooms, and add plenty of your favorite vegetables to make a hearty vegetarian version.

Nutritional Highlights

This American Goulash recipe is balanced, with carbohydrates from the macaroni, protein from the ground beef, and healthy fats from olive oil and cheese. Each serving contains about 661 kcal, making it filling and hearty. It’s a great option for those needing a comforting, high-protein meal that will keep them energized.

The Comfort Food Factor: What Makes American Goulash So Special

American Goulash is more than just a dish – it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The dish holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it evokes the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals. Its simple, straightforward preparation means that anyone can make it, regardless of cooking experience. Whether served at family gatherings, potlucks, or on busy weeknights, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

A Versatile Meal for All Seasons

While many consider Goulash to be a cold-weather comfort food, it’s actually a versatile meal that can be enjoyed year-round. During cooler months, the rich and hearty flavors provide the warmth and coziness that everyone craves. In the summer, a bowl of Goulash paired with a light side salad or some fresh corn on the cob makes for a satisfying and balanced meal.

Affordable & Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

American Goulash is also a budget-friendly option. The ingredients are simple and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for families looking to stretch their grocery dollars without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Most of the ingredients can be found in your pantry – canned tomatoes, pasta, broth, and seasonings. Fresh meat and vegetables round out the dish, making it easy to shop for and prepare.

Cultural Evolution & Regional Differences

Though American Goulash has common elements – beef, macaroni, and tomatoes – its variations can differ significantly from region to region. In the Midwest, you’ll find a more classic version, while in New England, the dish might be known as “American Chop Suey,” with slight differences in seasoning and the absence of cheese. Some regions even add a little sweetness to the dish with ingredients like ketchup or brown sugar. Regardless of the small variations, the core of American Goulash remains a comfort food that brings people together.

Cooking Tips for Perfecting Your Goulash

Browning the Meat Well: When browning the ground beef, let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring. This helps develop deeper flavors through caramelization, adding richness to the final dish.
Control the Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the beef broth or let the goulash simmer uncovered until the desired consistency is achieved. For a soupier version, add more broth or water.
Flavor Boosts: Deglazing the pan with a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar before adding the tomatoes can add depth to the flavor profile of your Goulash.

Healthy Swaps & Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Version: If you’re gluten-sensitive, you can easily swap out the regular elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta option made with rice, quinoa, or lentils. Adjust cooking times as needed since gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster.
Keto/Low-Carb Variation: Substitute the macaroni with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version. Add these towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking them.
Vegan Goulash: Skip the meat altogether and add plant-based protein sources like lentils, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and replace cheddar cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Best Practices for Making Goulash Ahead of Time

If you’re planning to make American Goulash ahead of time, here are some tips to keep it fresh and delicious:

Cook Pasta Separately: As mentioned earlier, cooking the pasta separately from the sauce is key to ensuring the noodles don’t become too mushy when reheating.
Store Components Separately: Keep the sauce and noodles in separate airtight containers. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce on the stove, boil the pasta if you haven’t cooked it yet, and mix them just before serving. This keeps the dish tasting fresh.
Add Fresh Cheese at the End: Shredded cheese can be added just before serving to give a melty, creamy finish. For those storing the dish, keep the cheese separate and add it when reheating.

Serving American Goulash for Gatherings

If you’re planning to serve American Goulash for a party or gathering, consider setting up a “Goulash Bar.” Here’s how:

Garnish Station: Provide various toppings so guests can customize their bowl. Options include shredded cheese, fresh parsley or cilantro, sliced jalapeños for heat, diced onions, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture.
Serve with Bread: Offer crusty bread, garlic toast, or soft dinner rolls on the side for dipping into the savory sauce. You can also provide a variety of bread types like cornbread or sourdough for different flavor experiences.
Complementary Side Dishes: Since American Goulash is rich and hearty, balance the meal with light sides. A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or sautéed spinach with garlic are great choices.

Different Takes on American Goulash Around the World

While American Goulash has its unique style, many cultures have their own interpretations of goulash, with ingredients and flavors adapted to local tastes:

Hungarian Goulash: A more traditional, soup-like stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, and peppers, seasoned with sweet Hungarian paprika. It’s a more broth-forward dish and often served with dumplings or rustic bread.
German Goulash (Gulaschsuppe): Similar to Hungarian Goulash but often has a richer, more tomato-heavy base. It’s commonly served as a thick stew in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
Italian Ragu Goulash: While not technically a goulash, Italian-style meat sauces like ragu or Bolognese have similar comforting qualities to American Goulash, combining ground meat with tomatoes, herbs, and pasta.

Fun Facts About Goulash

Origins of the Word “Goulash”: The term “goulash” comes from the Hungarian word “gulyás,” which means “herdsman” or “cowboy.” It was originally a stew made by Hungarian shepherds during long travels.
Variations in Spelling: American Goulash is sometimes spelled as “goulash,” “goolash,” or “gooulash” in different regions and households, but they all refer to the same comforting dish.
Go-To Potluck Dish: Because it’s easy to transport and reheat, American Goulash is a popular choice for potlucks, family gatherings, and meal-prep events.

Conclusion

American Goulash is a beloved comfort dish that brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Its one-pot preparation makes it easy to cook and clean up, while the customizable elements allow you to adapt it to your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, a nostalgic taste of home, or an affordable meal to feed a crowd, this versatile goulash recipe is sure to be a favorite for years to come.