Thick, savory, and incredibly comforting. This rich pasta dish combines tender macaroni with a robust meat sauce that warms the kitchen instantly. The American goulash comes together in a single pot, making it a reliable dinner staple for busy weeknights. My mom always served this Grandma's Goulash Recipe when we needed something hearty after a long day. You need to make this tonight for a simple meal that feels like a hug.
Why You'll Love This
This recipe is the definition of low-effort comfort food that delivers big flavor without complicated steps. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have, saving you a last-minute trip to the store. The American goulash cooks entirely in one pot, meaning you have fewer dishes to wash after dinner. I love how this Old Fashioned Hamburger Goulash fills the house with a nostalgic aroma that brings everyone to the table fast.
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What You'll Need
This dish relies on straightforward ingredients to create an Easy Homemade American Goulash Recipe that tastes like it simmered all day. You will need basic vegetables, ground meat, and canned tomatoes to build the savory foundation for the American goulash.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Main Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Use lean beef (85/15) to keep the sauce rich without being overly greasy.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape holds onto the thick sauce perfectly.
- Tomato Sauce: Provides the smooth, savory base for the entire dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
- Beef Broth: Deepens the meat flavor more effectively than water.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a necessary sweet and savory aromatic background.
- Soy Sauce: My secret addition for a deeper, more savory umami profile.
Optional Extras
You can stir in a cup of sharp cheddar cheese at the end to transform this into a Cheesy American Goulash. A dash of red pepper flakes also adds a nice heat that cuts through the richness.
How to Make American goulash (Step-by-Step)
This How To Make Old Fashioned Goulash guide ensures a smooth process with minimal cleanup.
Brown Beef
Add the ground beef and diced onion to a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon so it browns evenly and the onions soften.
Sauté Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant. This step prevents the garlic from burning while releasing its essential oils into the fat.
Combine Liquids
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stirring everything now ensures the flavors meld before the pasta is added.
Simmer Pasta
Add the uncooked macaroni, cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes.
Do I need to cook the macaroni separately? No, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing the flavor and starch to thicken the dish naturally.
Final Touch
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cheese if using. You will see the sauce become glossy and slightly creamy as the cheese melts.
Aliana's Top Tip
For the best American goulash, always drain excess fat after browning the meat but leave a tablespoon behind for flavor.
Use a Dutch oven → cooks Easy One Pot Goulash evenly → maintains steady heat
Use low sodium broth → allows you to control salt → taste before serving
Undercook pasta slightly → prevents mushiness → check for "al dente" bite
Rest the pot → thickens the sauce → look for a velvety texture
Add corn → boosts sweetness → look for bright yellow pops
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Make It Your Own
You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this Stovetop Goulash Ground Beef. If you prefer more vegetables, diced bell peppers or zucchini cook down beautifully in the sauce. For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika with the Italian seasoning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This Old Fashioned Goulash Ground Beef stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating. You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, though the pasta texture may become slightly softer upon thawing.
Best Pairings for American goulash
I love serving this Cheesy Old Fashioned Baked Goulash style dish with a slice of crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette offers a fresh crunch that balances the heavy, savory flavors of the American goulash. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also make excellent simple sides.
Common Questions About American goulash
Can I bake this dish instead of simmering?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake it. This method often aligns with Hamburger Goulash Recipes that call for a crispy cheese topping, usually baked at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Why is my goulash mushy?
Mushy goulash usually happens if the pasta is overcooked or if the pot sits on high heat too long. Simmer gently and check the pasta two minutes before the recommended time to ensure it retains some texture.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely, you can use penne, rotini, or shells instead of elbow macaroni. Just be aware that larger pasta shapes might require a few extra minutes of cooking time or a splash more broth.
Is this the same as Hungarian Goulash?
No, this is distinct from Hungarian goulash, which is a soup-like stew seasoned heavily with paprika and beef chunks. This American version is a pasta-based skillet meal, often referred to regionally as "slumgullion" or "chop suey."
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this Dinner American goulash, you might like these other Easy One Pot Goulash style meals.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
Old Fashioned American Goulash
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the ground beef and onion in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until browned.
- Add the garlic and cook for one minute to release its fragrance without burning.
- Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and soy sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese just before serving so it melts evenly.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with American Goulash:
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