Let’s talk comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This American Goulash is the definition of weeknight magic—a hearty, one-pot meal that blends savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a tomato-based sauce that’s simple yet oh-so satisfying.
This recipe carries nostalgic vibes of family dinners where everyone fought for seconds. It’s easy to make, full of pantry staples, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. If you’re looking for a dish that delivers on flavor without taking hours to cook, this is it. So, tie on your apron and let’s make some goulash greatness!
Why This Dish Stands Out
Why You’ll Love American Goulash
- One-Pot Wonder: All the ingredients cook in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples.
- Versatile: Perfect as leftovers, and you can easily customize it to suit your taste.
Cuisine
Classic American Comfort Food
Tips for Success
- Prevent Sticking: Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Boost Flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Cheese Upgrade: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese for a creamy twist.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Meat Options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
- Add Veggies: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Low-Carb: Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Make It Healthier
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Opt for whole-grain or gluten-free pasta.
- Reduce the sodium by using low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes.
Closing
And there you have it—American Goulash, a dish that warms hearts and fills bellies! Whether you’re feeding your family or enjoying a bowl for one, this comforting classic is sure to hit the spot. Try it out and let us know how it turns out. Looking for more cozy one-pot wonders? Check out our other recipes to keep the inspiration going!
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. - Can I freeze American Goulash?
Absolutely! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. - What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells or penne also work well. - Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them longer to soften and develop their flavor. - How do I avoid mushy pasta?
Cook the dish until the pasta is just tender, and don’t over-simmer.
Comfort food perfection awaits—dig in! 🍝✨
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American Goulash: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description
Hi, Kitchies! Let’s talk comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This American Goulash is the definition of weeknight magic—a hearty, one-pot meal that blends savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a tomato-based sauce that’s simple yet oh-so satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onions – minced
- 1 green bell pepper – seeded and diced
- 8 cloves garlic – minced
- 2 teaspoon 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 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth – (or 2 cups water)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni – uncooked
- 2 cups cheddar cheese – shredded
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until starting to soften and turn translucent. Add the bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Reduce heat to medium and add the salt, pepper, and paprika to the mirepoix. Mix well.
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Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spatula to break apart the ground meat into small crumbles. Stir frequently and continue to cook until meat is browned.
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Add the Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add the bay leaves, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Stir in the broth and elbow macaroni, cover, and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until noodles are cooked to al dente. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
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Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
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- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 661
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
