Name: American Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef; 1 1/2 cups diced onion; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce; 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes; 2 1/2 cups beef stock; 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped Parsley, optional

Hearty, comforting, and irresistibly nostalgic—the American Goulash Recipe is exactly the kind of one-pot wonder that brings everyone running to the dinner table with big, hungry smiles. This dish has all the makings of a weeknight staple: tender ground beef, sweet onions, a rich tomato base, and macaroni noodles that soak up every last drop of flavor. Top everything with a gooey layer of cheddar, and you’ve found yourself a soul-soothing classic with broad appeal. Whether you grew up enjoying goulash or you’re about to make it for the first time, this recipe delivers big comfort with minimal fuss in under an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this American Goulash Recipe are wonderfully straightforward—just a handful of pantry staples and some fresh touches. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creating the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Lean Ground Beef: The star protein, it brings richness while staying tender in every forkful.
Diced Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and builds a natural savory base for the sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Minced fresh for a punch of aromatic depth throughout the dish.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor while thickening the sauce perfectly.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the goulash a beautiful warmth and a little earthiness.
Garlic Powder: Boosts the savory notes and underscores the fresh garlic.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the onion flavor for an extra layer of taste.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a big pop of color.
Tomato Sauce: Forms the lush, tangy backbone of the dish.
Diced Tomatoes: Deliver bites of juicy tomato and extra freshness in the sauce.
Beef Stock: Deepens the overall flavor and keeps everything succulent as it simmers.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape for goulash—perfect for soaking up the savory sauce.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts right in at the end for a crowd-pleasing, creamy finish.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish to make every bowl a little brighter.

How to Make American Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by placing a large, deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s no longer pink, using a spoon to break it apart as it browns. This step lets you build up all those flavorful browned bits that form the foundation of this American Goulash Recipe.

Step 2: Drain Fat and Cook the Onion

Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl with a slotted spoon and carefully drain off all but about two tablespoons of fat. Return the skillet to the heat and add your diced onions, cooking them for about five minutes until soft and fragrant. This gives the goulash a naturally sweet base and helps soften the pungency of the onion.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute—it’ll smell incredible! Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the onions, then cook this aromatic mixture for one to two minutes until the tomato paste turns a bit darker. This deepens the sauce’s flavor and gets your kitchen smelling amazing.

Step 4: Return Beef and Add Tomatoes, Sauce, and Stock

Return the ground beef to the skillet and pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef stock. Give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up those tasty bits stuck to the pan. This is when those incredible flavors start to meld into something mouthwatering.

Step 5: Simmer with Macaroni

Once your mixture has come to a boil, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This step is key to infusing every noodle with savory, tomato-rich flavor.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the goulash is creamy throughout. The cheese gives the American Goulash Recipe its signature comfort food finish, making every bite perfectly luscious.

How to Serve American Goulash Recipe

Garnishes

For a vibrant final flourish, sprinkle a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over each serving. A dusting of parmesan is also delightful if you want even more cheesiness and a hint of salty bite on top. You’ll find that a pretty garnish elevates every bowl, making it feel extra special even on the busiest weeknights.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or warm, garlicky bread is the ultimate pairing with this American Goulash Recipe. The salad offers a fresh contrast to the hearty, savory pasta, while the bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that lush tomato-cheese sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your goulash in individual ovenproof bowls, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden. Or go rustic by ladling it into large mugs with long spoons so everyone can enjoy their cozy meal fireside or on the go at a potluck!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply scoop the cooled American Goulash Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors just get better as they mingle, making for delicious lunches or easy next-day dinners.

Freezing

This goulash freezes beautifully. Pack portions into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When it’s time to heat things up, pour your goulash into a skillet or saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef stock or water if it seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each interval to ensure even warmth. Top with extra cheese or fresh parsley to revive that just-made taste!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional in the American Goulash Recipe, any small-shaped pasta—like shells, rotini, or penne—will work and hold up well in the flavorful sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based substitute or cooked lentils, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. The rest of the flavors will still shine bright.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes—make the American Goulash Recipe up to two days ahead, then fully cool and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. It’s a great meal prep option!

How spicy is this goulash?

This dish is savory rather than spicy, with just a gentle warmth from the smoked paprika and seasonings. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or serve with hot sauce on the side.

Can I make it gluten free?

Certainly! Choose your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your tomato sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free. The recipe adapts just as well to gluten-free versions, so everyone can enjoy it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing, cozy meal that comes together fast and tastes even better the next day, you can’t go wrong with this American Goulash Recipe. Every bite is loaded with old-fashioned comfort and modern ease. Give it a try—your family will thank you!