American Goulash Recipe

If you’re craving a delicious, one-pot meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy to make, then you’ve come to the right place! This American Goulash recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or even a casual get-together. It’s a classic, all-American twist on Hungarian goulash, and it’s packed with ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and spices that come together to make an irresistible meal. Read on to discover the full recipe, substitutions, cooking tips, and more!

What is American Goulash?

American Goulash, also known as "American chop suey", is a simple, homestyle dish that consists of ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and spices all cooked together in one pot. It’s different from traditional Hungarian goulash, which typically uses chunks of beef and a rich, paprika-based sauce. The American version is more of a pasta-based comfort food that’s affordable, filling, and loved by both kids and adults. It’s the perfect meal to prepare when you want something warm, hearty, and easy to throw together with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients List for American Goulash

For this American Goulash recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional but adds flavor)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

The beauty of American Goulash is that it’s incredibly versatile, so you can easily customize it based on your dietary preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Protein Swap: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you want a vegetarian version.
• Pasta Options: Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, but feel free to use other types of pasta like rotini, penne, or shells. Gluten-free pasta also works well.
• Add Vegetables: You can add extra vegetables to make the dish healthier. Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are great choices that won’t overpower the flavor.
• Cheesy Goodness: While cheddar is a popular choice, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for added creaminess.
• Spices: Play around with different spices if you like a bit more heat or flavor. Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can add some spice, while smoked paprika gives the dish a slightly smoky taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making American Goulash:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Once the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess fat from the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
3. Add the Tomato Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato paste. Mix everything together until the tomato paste is fully incorporated.
4. Add the Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and add the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
6. Finish and Serve: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you're adding cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top and cover the pot again for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot.

How to Cook American Goulash: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking American Goulash is as straightforward as it gets! Follow these steps for a foolproof, delicious meal:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Before starting, chop your onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Have your pasta, broth, and seasonings measured out so everything is ready to go.
2. Brown the Meat: Begin by cooking your ground beef until fully browned. Be sure to break it up into smaller chunks as it cooks to achieve a more uniform texture.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Cooking the onions, garlic, and bell pepper with the beef allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This step brings depth to your goulash.
4. Build the Sauce: Tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste are key to creating that rich, hearty flavor that makes American Goulash so comforting. Be sure to stir well so the tomato paste is fully integrated.
5. Simmer with the Pasta: The key to cooking the pasta right in the sauce is simmering gently over low heat. This allows the pasta to absorb all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
6. Add Cheese: This is optional, but a cheesy topping can take your goulash to the next level. Melty, gooey cheese adds richness and an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to resist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though American Goulash is simple to make, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, it can easily overcook and become mushy. Keep an eye on the time and check the pasta for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time.
• Not Draining the Fat: If you’re using a fattier ground beef, make sure to drain the excess fat after browning the meat. Too much grease can make the dish overly oily.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to season your goulash generously. A pinch of salt and pepper may not be enough. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Burning the Bottom: Stir the pot occasionally while the goulash is simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of American Goulash, but with a few simple touches, you can elevate the dish to look just as great as it tastes.

• Use a Large, Deep Serving Bowl: This allows the hearty stew-like texture of goulash to be showcased.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: A side of garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Top with Cheese: If you love cheese, an extra sprinkle of cheddar or Parmesan on top before serving adds even more flavor.

How to Serve American Goulash

American Goulash is an all-in-one meal that doesn’t require much to make it complete. However, here are a few ways to serve it:

• Family-Style: Place the goulash in a large serving dish and let everyone serve themselves. This is great for casual dinners or potlucks.
• Individual Bowls: Serve the goulash in individual bowls with a side of bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftovers: American Goulash tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Presentation Ideas for American Goulash

If you want to make your goulash look even more appealing, here are some presentation ideas:

• Add Color: Garnish with bright green herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of color.
• Cheesy Finish: Serve the goulash with a layer of melted cheese on top, which not only tastes great but adds visual appeal.
• Use Decorative Bowls: Serve the goulash in rustic or decorative bowls to give the dish a homestyle, comforting look.

American Goulash Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you perfect your American Goulash:

• Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Prepare it a day in advance, refrigerate it, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
• Freeze for Later: Goulash freezes well. Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal on a busy night. Let it cool completely before freezing in airtight containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the goulash is too thick, add a little more broth or water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make American Goulash ahead of time? Yes! American Goulash actually tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

2. Can I freeze American Goulash? Definitely. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even whole wheat pasta.

4. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a splash of vinegar.

5. Can I make American Goulash in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the meat first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

American Goulash is the ultimate comfort food – warm, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals ahead of time, this one-pot dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and customizable to your preferences. With its simple ingredients and rich, savory flavors, American Goulash is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. So, gather your ingredients and give this classic recipe a try today!

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