Here’s a classic American Goulash recipe—the old-fashioned, one-pot comfort food (not Hungarian goulash) 🍝🥩
American Goulash
Serves: 6–8
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2½ cups beef broth or water
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but common)
Instructions
- Brown the beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Drain excess grease. - Add aromatics
Stir in onion and cook until softened.
Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. - Build the sauce
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a simmer. - Cook pasta
Stir in uncooked macaroni.
Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. - Finish
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using until melted. - Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Old-school Midwest style: Add corn or green beans
- Extra cheesy: Add more cheddar or some mozzarella
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes
- Crock pot: Brown beef first, then cook on LOW 6–7 hours (add pasta last 30 minutes)
Pro Tips
- Stir often once pasta is added so it doesn’t stick
- Adjust liquid if you like it soupier or thicker
- Goulash tastes even better the next day
If you want, I can also share:
- Baked American goulash casserole
- One-pot cheesy version
- Instant Pot method
- Budget pantry version
Just say the word 😊
