Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Introduction
There’s something special about a warm, homemade dinner that brings everyone around the table. This easy old-fashioned goulash recipe is one of those comforting meals that never goes out of style.
Made with tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic spices, American goulash is a delicious combination of simple ingredients and satisfying flavors.
One of the best things about this recipe is that everything cooks in a single pot. That means fewer dishes, less cleanup, and more time to enjoy dinner with your family.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal, feeding a hungry family, or looking for an affordable comfort food recipe, this homemade goulash is a wonderful option.
What Is American Goulash?
American goulash is a traditional comfort food made primarily with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and seasonings.
Unlike Hungarian goulash, which is typically a paprika-rich beef stew or soup, American goulash combines pasta and ground meat in a savory tomato-based sauce.
It’s sometimes called American chop suey, depending on the region.
The dish became popular because it’s inexpensive, filling, easy to prepare, and made with ingredients commonly found in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to prepare: You don’t need complicated cooking techniques or special equipment.
Budget-friendly: Ground beef, macaroni, and canned tomatoes make this a practical family meal.
One-pot convenience: Everything cooks together, making cleanup quick and simple.
Family-friendly: The mild tomato flavor and tender pasta make it appealing to both adults and children.
Great for leftovers: Goulash reheats well, making it useful for meal planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth, plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Notes
Ground beef: Lean ground beef works particularly well because it provides plenty of flavor without making the dish overly greasy.
Elbow macaroni: This pasta shape is ideal because its curved shape helps hold the delicious tomato sauce.
Crushed tomatoes: These create a rich base and give the dish its signature tomato flavor.
Beef broth: Broth adds savory depth while providing the liquid needed to cook the pasta.
Paprika: A small amount adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
Cheddar cheese: Although optional, shredded cheddar makes the finished dish extra comforting.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep cooking pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and ground beef.
Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, breaking the meat into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon.
Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft.
Carefully drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together and cook for approximately one minute.
This helps release the aroma of the garlic and spices.
Step 3: Add the Tomato Sauce
Pour the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce into the pot.
Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Macaroni
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
Allow the goulash to simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
If the sauce becomes too thick before the macaroni is fully cooked, add a little extra beef broth or water.
The pasta should be tender while the sauce remains thick and flavorful.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
If you’re making cheesy goulash, stir in the shredded cheddar until melted.
Allow the dish to rest for approximately five minutes.
This gives the sauce time to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon the warm goulash into individual bowls.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional shredded cheese if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Goulash
Choose the Right Pasta
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for American goulash. However, small shells or rotini can also work.
Different pasta shapes may require slightly different cooking times and amounts of liquid.
Don’t Overcook the Macaroni
Because the pasta cooks directly in the tomato sauce, check it regularly.
Overcooked macaroni can become too soft and lose its texture.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency
Some people prefer thick goulash, while others enjoy a slightly saucier version.
For thicker goulash, allow it to rest uncovered for a few minutes.
For a thinner consistency, stir in additional warm broth.
Add Vegetables
Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or finely chopped carrots can add extra flavor and texture.
Cook firmer vegetables with the onions so they have enough time to soften.
Season to Taste
Tomato products and broths contain different amounts of salt.
Taste the finished dish before adding extra seasoning.
Delicious Goulash Variations
Cheesy Beef Goulash
Add one cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese after the pasta finishes cooking.
Stir gently until the cheese melts into the warm sauce.
Spicy Goulash
For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.
Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
Turkey Goulash
Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter variation.
Since turkey is usually leaner, you may want to add a little extra olive oil when browning it.
Vegetable-Packed Goulash
Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to make the dish more colorful.
This is also a convenient way to use leftover vegetables.
What to Serve With Goulash
Although goulash is satisfying on its own, a few simple side dishes can complete the meal.
Garlic bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the tomato sauce.
Green salad: A fresh salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Steamed broccoli: A simple vegetable side dish balances the meal.
Roasted green beans: Their slightly crisp texture pairs nicely with tender macaroni.
Dinner rolls: Soft, warm bread is another classic accompaniment.
How to Store Leftover Goulash
Allow the goulash to cool slightly before transferring it into shallow, airtight containers.
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and store for up to 3–4 days.
Keep in mind that the macaroni will continue absorbing sauce during storage.
When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency.
Can You Freeze Goulash?
Yes, American goulash can be frozen, although the pasta may become softer after thawing.
For best results, allow the dish to cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze promptly.
For optimal quality, use within approximately 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
How to Reheat Goulash
Place leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of broth or water and stir occasionally until heated throughout.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
Leftovers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between American and Hungarian goulash?
American goulash is typically made with ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce. Hungarian goulash is traditionally a beef dish featuring paprika, onions, and broth, often prepared as a stew or soup.
Can I make goulash without cheese?
Absolutely! Traditional American-style goulash is often served without cheese. The tomato sauce and seasoned beef provide plenty of flavor on their own.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Small pasta shapes such as shells, penne, or rotini can work well. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid.
Why is my goulash too thick?
Pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks and rests. Simply stir in a small amount of warm broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
Can I make goulash ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it for later. For the best pasta texture, consider cooking and storing the macaroni separately from the sauce.
Is goulash good for meal prep?
Yes! It’s easy to divide into individual portions and reheat for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This easy old-fashioned goulash recipe proves that a delicious homemade dinner doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
With ground beef, tender macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and simple pantry seasonings, you can prepare a satisfying family meal in approximately 35 minutes.
It’s warm, flavorful, filling, and perfect for sharing.
Whether you enjoy it with melted cheese, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad, this classic American goulash is a recipe worth keeping in your weekly dinner rotation.
Give this homemade goulash a try the next time you need a simple, comforting dinner!