American Goulash is the epitome of comfort food, blending tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. The dish is elevated with the richness of cheddar cheese, which melts into the sauce to create a creamy, flavorful delight. Every bite brings warmth and familiarity, reminiscent of home-cooked family meals shared around the table. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you need a quick, hearty, and satisfying meal. Its one-pot preparation makes it an easy choice for hassle-free cooking, and its savory flavor will appeal to everyone in the family. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, American Goulash is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 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 water)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until they start to soften and become translucent. Add bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to medium, and add salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spatula. Cook until the meat is browned.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well, then add 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 beef broth and elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking, until macaroni is cooked to al dente.
- Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese, and garnish with fresh 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
The Origins and Background of American Goulash
American Goulash is a classic comfort food that has found its way into the hearts of many families across the United States, particularly in the Midwest and South. Not to be confused with Hungarian Goulash, this American adaptation takes on a simpler form, focusing on ingredients that are easy to find and quick to prepare. Unlike its Hungarian cousin, which is more of a stew with chunks of beef, potatoes, and a strong paprika flavor, American Goulash features ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce.
Often referred to simply as “Goulash” in American households, this dish is beloved for its straightforward approach, savory flavors, and hearty texture. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, and while variations exist, the essence remains the same—a delicious, filling meal that is easy to make and perfect for family gatherings.
Benefits of American Goulash
- One-Pot Wonder: The appeal of American Goulash lies in its simplicity and convenience. With all the ingredients cooked in a single pot, clean-up is a breeze. This makes it ideal for weeknight dinners when time is tight but you still want a delicious and nourishing meal.
- Balanced and Nutritious: This recipe offers a good balance of macronutrients. You get protein from the ground beef, complex carbohydrates from the elbow macaroni, and healthy fats from the olive oil and cheese. Adding vegetables like bell peppers and onions increases the fiber content and adds vitamins like Vitamin C, B6, and antioxidants. For those looking to make it even healthier, swapping ground beef for ground turkey or adding more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or corn can be great options.
- Flavorful and Comforting: The use of aromatic ingredients such as onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce brings a depth of flavor to the dish. The addition of cheddar cheese at the end ties everything together with a creamy richness that is both comforting and satisfying. It’s a dish that pleases all ages, from children to adults.
- Cost-Effective: American Goulash is not only easy to make but also budget-friendly. The recipe makes use of pantry staples like canned tomatoes, pasta, and ground meat, which are both affordable and accessible. This makes it a great option for large families or anyone looking to stretch their dollar without sacrificing flavor.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Customizable to Taste: One of the best things about American Goulash is its adaptability. You can make it as traditional or as unique as you want. If you love spices, adding more paprika or cayenne pepper can add a kick. Prefer a vegetarian version? Substitute the meat for plant-based crumbles or use beans like kidney or black beans for a protein-rich alternative. The cheese can be swapped out for other varieties like mozzarella, parmesan, or feta, and the amount can be adjusted based on your preference.
- Great for Leftovers: American Goulash is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. It stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can easily be reheated on the stove or in the microwave. If you plan on making it ahead, consider cooking the macaroni separately and mixing it in right before serving to prevent it from getting too soft.
- Perfect for Crowds and Potlucks: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, and parties. Because it’s cooked in one pot and serves a generous amount (around 8 servings), it’s a great dish to feed a hungry group without much hassle. Plus, it’s easy to double or halve the recipe depending on the size of your gathering.
- Comfort Food with Nostalgic Appeal: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of goulash. For many, this dish brings back childhood memories of family dinners, cozy evenings, and the smell of tomato sauce simmering on the stove. It’s that nostalgic appeal that makes it a favorite for generations, and it continues to bring families together.
Tips for Making the Best American Goulash
- Use Quality Ground Beef: To get the best flavor and reduce excess grease, opt for lean ground beef. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work just as well.
- Flavor Enhancement with Cheese: The cheese in this recipe is what brings everything together. Cheddar is the traditional choice, but you can experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a little cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer gives the flavors a chance to deepen. You can let it simmer on low heat for longer to achieve a more concentrated and robust flavor before adding the macaroni.
- Customize the Vegetables: While the traditional recipe uses onions and bell peppers, you can add more vegetables to pack in extra nutrients. Carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, and corn are great options. Just sauté them with the onions and peppers at the beginning.
- Adjust the Consistency: Whether you prefer a soupier goulash or one with less liquid, you can adjust the amount of broth or water you add. If you like a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer longer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
A Note on Paprika
The addition of paprika in this American Goulash recipe is a nod to its Hungarian roots but is not typically found in traditional American versions. It adds a warm, smoky flavor and enhances the color of the dish, making it more visually appealing. If you’re a fan of this spice, don’t hesitate to add it in, but you can always leave it out if you prefer a more classic American taste.
History of American Goulash vs. Hungarian Goulash
It’s important to understand the distinction between American and Hungarian Goulash. Hungarian Goulash, or “gulyás,” is a traditional stew or soup-like dish seasoned heavily with paprika and often contains chunks of beef, potatoes, and vegetables. American Goulash, on the other hand, is a simplified version that became popular in the U.S. during the mid-20th century. It adapted to include ground beef, macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce, catering to the American palate and the need for quick, hearty meals.
How to Serve American Goulash
American Goulash is best served warm, straight from the pot. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or a slice of warm, crusty baguette. If you’re looking to add a little zing, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can elevate the flavors even more.
Variations to Explore
- Spicy Goulash: Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Mexican Twist: Incorporate spices like cumin, chili powder, and coriander, and top with cilantro and shredded Mexican cheese blend for a Tex-Mex version.
- Creamy Goulash: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Conclusion
With its ease of preparation, flavorful ingredients, and comforting qualities, American Goulash is more than just a dish—it’s an experience of nostalgia, warmth, and togetherness. This recipe stands the test of time for being a reliable go-to meal, perfect for feeding both family and friends on any occasion. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this one-pot wonder, and let the aroma of savory goulash fill your kitchen and your heart.
