If you need a dependable, comforting dinner tonight, this American Goulash Recipe is just the meal to throw together. This classic one-pot pasta is ready in 30 minutes, made with simple pantry ingredients, and delivers that old-fashioned comfort food flavor everyone loves.
If you enjoy easy ground beef dinners, you should also try our easy hobo casserole recipe for another quick weeknight option.
Quick Summary
- Flavor: Savory, tomato-rich, and cheesy with mild seasoning
- Texture: Tender pasta with hearty ground beef
- Method: True one-pot goulash cooked on the stovetop
- Time: 30 minutes total
- Family Friendly: Mild and kid-approved
- Leftovers: Reheats well for lunch the next day
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What Is American Goulash?
American goulash is a one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and simple seasonings. Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, which is a paprika-based beef stew, the American version is a quick stovetop comfort meal that is family-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights.
Craving more easy one-pot dinner recipes? Don't miss our ground beef stroganoff recipe and creamy chicken and gnocchi.
Why Families Love This American Goulash
This old-fashioned American goulash checks every box for a weeknight dinner with its simple pantry ingredients, budget-friendly protein stretch, and true one-pot convenience. The pasta simmers directly in the sauce, giving you fewer dishes and rich, comforting flavor in every bite. It is easy to customize with extra vegetables or a protein swap, and you will still end up with a hearty, comforting dinner that everyone will look forward to.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the base of this classic beef goulash so the dish is hearty but not greasy. If you are looking for another easy ground beef dinner, our taco mac and cheese is another weeknight favorite.
- Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is traditional for goulash with macaroni because it cooks evenly and holds the sauce inside each curve.
- Pasta Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Using both gives the dish depth. The jarred sauce adds seasoning, while the petite diced tomatoes provide texture and brightness.
- Onion, Bell Pepper, and Carrot: These vegetables build a flavorful base and add subtle sweetness that balances the tomatoes.
- Cheddar Cheese: Stirred in at the end, the cheese adds creaminess and makes this feel like a classic hamburger goulash your family will ask for on repeat.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Gluten Free: Use your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta to make this dish safe for those with sensitivities and be sure to check labels on sauces and other ingredients.
- Different Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter twist that still delivers plenty of savory, comforting flavor.
- Loaded Veggie: Mix in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach during the simmer to bulk it up with extra vegetables while keeping the same hearty texture.
- Spicy Version: If your family likes a little heat, stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a small pinch of cayenne. You can also add a splash of hot sauce at the end to control the spice level.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add a teaspoon of chili powder and a drained can of corn, then finish with a sprinkle of Monterey Jack. Serve with tortilla chips on the side.
How to Make American Goulash
This hamburger goulash recipe is made entirely on the stovetop in one large pot, which keeps the process simple and cleanup easy. Before you start, dice all the vegetables and measure out the ingredients so everything is ready to go.
- Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrot, and cook until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the garlic and seasonings, then drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming heavy.
- Step 3: Simmer the Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, the pasta sauce, and the beef broth. Stir in the elbow macaroni and the bay leaves, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the pasta in the sauce until tender and the liquid has thickened.
- Step 4: Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce. Let the goulash rest for a few minutes to thicken, then serve it warm with a batch of our homemade dinner rolls for an easy, comforting meal.
- Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrot, and cook until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in the garlic and seasonings, then drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming heavy.
- Step 3: Simmer the Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, the pasta sauce, and the beef broth. Stir in the elbow macaroni and the bay leaves, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer the pasta in the sauce until tender and the liquid has thickened.
- Step 4: Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce. Let the goulash rest for a few minutes to thicken, then serve it warm with a batch of our homemade dinner rolls for an easy, comforting meal.
Expert Tips
- Control the Pasta Texture: Slightly undercook the pasta if you prefer a firmer bite, since it will continue to soften as the goulash rests.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth just before serving to thin it.
- Season at the End: Taste the finished dish and adjust the salt and pepper as needed, especially since different broths and sauces vary in saltiness.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the goulash sit for 5 minutes after cooking so the sauce thickens naturally and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Store and Reheat Properly: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the goulash gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a small splash of broth to bring the sauce back to the right consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this goulash with ground beef recipe as an easy weeknight dinner when you need something filling and dependable. Pair it with a simple green salad and some warm Dutch oven bread to round out the meal.
- Pack leftovers of this goulash for lunch the next day since it reheats well and stays flavorful. Enjoy it with a slice of peanut butter banana bread for a simple and satisfying lunch.
- Make a large batch of this one-pot goulash for a potluck, casual gathering, or family get-together. It holds well on the stovetop on low heat, and you can serve it with our green beans and bacon, and homemade biscuits for a complete spread.
American Goulash Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the goulash a few hours or even a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Simmer the goulash a few extra minutes uncovered to let some liquid evaporate. You can also stir in a small handful of extra pasta or a bit of shredded cheese to naturally thicken the sauce.
Yes, you can freeze it, but the pasta may soften after thawing. To prevent mushy noodles, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing and allow the dish to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative. The sauce and pasta will still create a hearty, comforting meal.
More Delicious Ground Beef Recipes
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American Goulash Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion diced
- 1 medium bell pepper diced
- 1 carrot peeled and finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes drained
- 24 ounce jar pasta sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 bay leaves
- 1½ cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and carrots; cook 3-4 minutes, stirring, until slightly softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute. Drain excess grease, then season with black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and stir in cheddar cheese just before serving. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
- Brown the ground beef well before adding liquids to build deeper flavor.
- Simmer the pasta just until tender to avoid a mushy texture.
- Let the goulash rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens naturally.
- Adjust the consistency with a splash of broth if it thickens too much while standing.
Nutrition
*All nutrition information provided is automatically calculated and is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact numbers on your ingredients, I would recommend calculating them with your prefered nutrition calculator.
Ryan Allen
One of my all time old fashioned comfort food recipes.