The Heartiest Classic American Goulash Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a classic american goulash brings back memories of comfort food that hugs your soul with warmth and nostalgia.

Grandmothers across midwest kitchens have perfected this hearty one-pot wonder for generations.

Robust ground beef mingles with tender macaroni in a rich, tomato-infused sauce that promises satisfaction.

Hearty spices dance through each bite, creating layers of deep, satisfying flavor.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary on your dinner plate.

Minimal prep and quick cooking make this dish a weeknight champion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

American Goulash Complements

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the goulash.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy salad with vinaigrette to balance the heavy, meaty dish and add fresh contrast.
• Rustic Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural element to the meal.
• Refresh with Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or lager that can stand up to the bold flavors of the goulash, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Hearty Add Ins for Classic American Goulash

• Gluten-Free Goulash: Replace traditional macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms to create a hearty meat-free alternative that maintains the rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of macaroni to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic goulash taste.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Omit cheddar cheese or use nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy products.

FAQs

• What makes this goulash different from traditional Hungarian goulash?

This American version is a comfort food pasta dish, unlike the traditional Hungarian stew made with chunks of beef and lots of paprika. It’s quicker, easier, and uses ground beef and macaroni.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s a one-pot meal with simple ingredients that most children love. The cheesy, tomatoey pasta with ground beef is typically a hit with kids of all ages.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe remains the same, so it’s an easy adaptation for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add some extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini when cooking the onions. This boosts the nutritional value without changing the classic flavor profile of the dish.

Goulash That Tastes Like a True Classic

• Effortless Comfort: Whip up this classic goulash with minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for newbie cooks or busy weeknight meal planners.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that combines protein, pasta, and rich flavors in one delicious dish.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty, cheesy goodness that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Satisfy hungry bellies fast with a meal that comes together in just a few simple steps, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Classic American Goulash What You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base for the classic goulash.
• Macaroni: Traditional pasta that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates the hearty sauce foundation.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bright tomato flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide deep, savory undertones to the dish.
• Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance the goulash's robust taste.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a subtle umami complexity.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, melty finish that adds richness.

Classic American Goulash Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until it’s completely browned and no pink remains. Break the meat into small, even pieces as it cooks.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the pan.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Symphony

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Soy sauce
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly, allowing the spices to blend and intensify the flavor profile.

Step 4: Introduce the Pasta

Add macaroni and water to the skillet. Cover and simmer on low heat. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cheese Crown

If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Let it melt naturally from the residual heat of the dish. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty meal.

What Helps with American Goulash Cooking

• Beef Browning Brilliance: Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly cooked and crumbled for maximum flavor distribution and even texture throughout the dish.
• Seasoning Sweet Spot: Adjust paprika and oregano quantities to suit your taste preferences, allowing for personalized flavor intensity.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let the cheddar cheese rest on top of the hot goulash for a minute after adding to create a smooth, creamy layer that enhances overall richness.
• Liquid Control Trick: Monitor water levels during cooking to prevent sticking, adding small amounts if the mixture seems too dry to ensure perfectly cooked pasta.
• Make-Ahead Mastery: This goulash tastes even better the next day, so consider preparing in advance and reheating for deeper, more developed flavors.

Storing Classic American Goulash After Dinner

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the goulash is completely cooled before sealing.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing if using dairy toppings.
• Place goulash in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F. Add a splash of water to prevent drying.
• Pour goulash into a skillet, add a little water or broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly and steaming.

Classic American Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Polish-inspired Classic American Goulash delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich beef, tender pasta, and robust tomato sauce. Savory spices and simple ingredients create a nostalgic meal that connects generations around one delicious, satisfying plate you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Starches:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Canned and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid:

• 2 cups water

Optional Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary journey by warming a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing ground beef and transforming it into golden, crumbly fragments through thorough browning.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
3. Elevate the flavor profile by introducing tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, stirring to create a harmonious blend of ingredients.
4. Gently fold in uncooked macaroni and water, ensuring all components are well-integrated and submerged in the liquid.
5. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, periodically checking to ensure the pasta reaches an ideal tender consistency.
6. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked and the liquid has been mostly absorbed, optionally crown the dish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt and create a luxurious finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that still packs incredible flavor.
• Experiment with smoked paprika or add a dash of cayenne for a bold, warming kick that elevates the classic goulash profile.
• Try different cheese options like mozzarella, monterey jack, or a sharp provolone to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste.
• This dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to prepare it in advance and let the flavors develop overnight in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg