If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings nostalgia and hearty flavors to your table, this American Goulash Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and pasta all simmered in a rich tomato sauce, creating a one-pot wonder that tastes like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this recipe comes through with wholesome goodness and that satisfying cozy feeling everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this American Goulash Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavors, textures, and color. From the savory ground beef to the vibrant fresh vegetables and silky pasta, everything blends perfectly to create a dish that’s both hearty and comforting.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, it adds a subtle fruity richness and helps cook the beef and veggies evenly.
- 1 lb lean ground beef 90/10: Provides the hearty protein base with just the right amount of fat for flavor without excess greasiness.
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- 1 carrot (grated): Brings a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
- 1 celery stick (finely chopped): Adds subtle earthiness and a tender bite to complement the other vegetables.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic undertones that wake up the flavors.
- 2 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste): Essential for amplifying all the flavors in the dish.
- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves: Adds herbal notes that give the sauce a subtle Mediterranean twist.
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste): Provides a gentle heat and sharpness to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp granulated sugar (or more to taste): Helps tame the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the sauce.
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes: The rich tomato base that unites all the ingredients with luscious tanginess.
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami depth, enhancing the meaty richness.
- 2 cups chicken stock: Keeps the sauce moist and infuses subtle savory richness.
- 1 cup water plus more as needed for cooking: Adjusts the sauce’s consistency to perfectly coat the pasta.
- 2 cups macaroni pasta (10 oz, or any small pasta you prefer): The comforting heart of the dish, soaking up all those beautiful flavors.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more to serve): Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties the whole dish together.
How to Make American Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and break it apart with a spatula for about one minute. Browning the beef not only develops rich flavor but also sets the stage for the slow melding of all the other ingredients.
Step 2: Soften the Vegetables
Next, toss in the grated carrot, finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture and let the vegetables soften for about five minutes. The warmth will coax out their natural sweetness and deepen the flavor base. Season these veggies with salt, dried oregano, black pepper, and a touch of sugar to balance all the savory and sweet notes perfectly.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and water. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook gently for 20 minutes. This simmering step allows the flavors to develop fully, thickening the sauce and marrying the ingredients beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add the macaroni pasta directly into the pot and stir everything together. Keep the heat on a gentle simmer with the pot covered, cooking for another 20 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally, especially in the beginning, to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Add a little more hot water here and there if the sauce dries out—this keeps it delightfully moist and saucy.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Finally, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, which adds a creamy, savory depth that enhances every bite. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the dish hot with extra parmesan sprinkled on top for that ultimate comforting touch.
How to Serve American Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh burst of color and herbaceous brightness to contrast the rich sauce. Don’t forget a generous handful of freshly grated parmesan on top—it melts slightly on the warm dish, creating a delightful umami finish everyone will adore.
Side Dishes
This American Goulash Recipe is delightful on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are fantastic for mopping up all the delicious sauce, turning every last bite into pure satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese, then broil briefly to get a golden crust. Another great idea is layering it in a casserole dish with extra cheese and baking until bubbly for a baked American Goulash casserole. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover American Goulash Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, give it a good stir to reincorporate the sauce and pasta.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this goulash for up to 2 months. Cool it completely, then package in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to ensure even warming. The pasta will stay tender and the sauce rich and delicious, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for macaroni, small pasta shapes like elbow, shells, or even mini penne work brilliantly. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian version that still captures the essence of this dish’s comforting flavors.
How spicy is this American Goulash Recipe?
This version is mild and kid-friendly, but if you like a kick, you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can make the sauce and beef mixture a day ahead, then cook the pasta and finish the dish just before serving for the freshest texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta?
Reheating slowly on the stovetop with a bit of added liquid keeps the sauce moist and the pasta tender. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring, as it can dry out the dish unevenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a bowl of this classic American Goulash Recipe—its warmth, rich flavors, and comforting textures make it a timeless favorite in many homes. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every satisfying bite as much as I do. It’s easy to make, delightful to eat, and perfect for sharing with the people you love.
Print
American Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 46 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This American Goulash recipe is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender ground beef, vegetables, and macaroni simmered together in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it’s easy to prepare and combines classic flavors with a satisfying pasta base.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 celery stick, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp granulated sugar (or more to taste)
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Liquids and Pasta
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup water plus more as needed for cooking
- 2 cups macaroni pasta (10 oz, or any small pasta you prefer)
Cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus more to serve)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Set a heavy pot or 5 1/2 Qt Dutch oven over medium/high heat and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add ground beef to the hot pot and break it up with a spatula for 1 minute to start browning.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add grated carrot, finely chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, oregano, black pepper, and sugar, stirring well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and 1 cup of water. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook Macaroni in Sauce: Add the macaroni pasta to the pot and stir to combine. Maintain a low simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Add additional hot water in 1/4 cup increments as needed if the mixture seems dry; the dish should remain moist and saucy.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot with extra parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.
Notes
- Ensure to stir the pasta occasionally after adding to prevent sticking to the bottom.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and sugar to your taste preference to balance acidity from the tomatoes.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative if desired.
- Use any small pasta shape if macaroni is unavailable.
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock.
