American Goulash

Name: American Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
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

By:

dani

Published:

May 24, 2026

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American Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or any occasion when you crave something warm and satisfying. This classic American one-pot meal brings together ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce that just begs for a second helping. Imagine tender macaroni enveloped in a robust blend of spices, with gooey melted cheese baked right in—that’s the magic of American Goulash. It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill the belly but also warms the heart.

I stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly day when I needed something quick, easy, and comforting to serve my family. The experience was love at first bite; the rich aroma that filled the kitchen had everyone rushing to the table. Trust me when I say it’s a crowd-pleaser and can easily become a staple in your home too. Let’s dive into the deliciousness of this American classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about an hour—perfect for busy weeknights!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Italian herbs and melted cheese creates a taste sensation.
One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash, and everything cooks together beautifully.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, and have leftovers for days; it tastes even better the next day!
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that are often on hand.
Kid-Approved: The cheesy, pasta goodness will win over even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef: This provides a hearty base to the dish. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
1 1/2 cups diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor. Feel free to use shallots for a milder taste.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant aroma and enhances the savory notes.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated flavor that enriches the sauce.
1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme mirrors the traditional Italian flavors.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Extra garlic flavor complements the fresh cloves.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor without adding extra texture.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness; regular paprika works too if you prefer.
1 15 ounce can tomato sauce: The liquid base of your sauce—smooth and rich.
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes: Adds texture and acidity to the goulash. Don’t drain.
2 1/2 cups beef stock: Provides savory liquid to cook the pasta; for a lighter version, use chicken stock.
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked: The quintessential pasta in goulash that absorbs the flavors beautifully.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish for that gooey, delicious layer on top. Feel free to use Monterey Jack for a milder flavor!
Chopped parsley, optional: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.

How to Make American Goulash

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef until no longer pink. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
Drain the Fat: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef to a bowl, leaving some fat in the skillet. Drain off all but 2 tablespoons for flavor.
Sauté the Onion: Return the skillet to heat and add 1 1/2 cups of diced onion. Cook for 5 minutes or until softened; your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Add Garlic: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Incorporate Seasonings: Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir to coat the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color.
Combine with Beef: Return the browned beef to the pan and stir in 1 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes, and 2 1/2 cups of beef stock. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the Pasta: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. The pasta will soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks!
Simmer: Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid has absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Melt in the Cheese: Once everything is cooked, remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.
Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy this bowl of joy with family and friends!

Storing & Reheating

Let your leftover American Goulash cool down, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate it in a tightly sealed container for about 3–4 days. If you want to freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then microwave or heat on the stove until warmed through. Note that the texture might change slightly, so adding a splash of beef stock can refresh it beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni during the last few minutes to avoid mushy pasta.
Experiment with Cheese: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.
Add Veggies: Sneak in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and taste.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; you can always add more garlic or seasoning to suit your preference.
Serve with Garlic Bread: Complement the meal with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.

The delightful melding of flavors in this dish makes American Goulash a go-to recipe in any household. Its comforting nature and ease of preparation mean you can whip it up for your next gathering or those busy weeknights when dinner needs to be on the table in a flash. Play around with the ingredients, enjoy the process, and most importantly, know that everyone at the table will be thrilled with a warm, cheesy dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make American Goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, cook it, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier! Just reheat it gently before serving.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of elbow macaroni, any small pasta shape like shells or penne would work. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different pasta shapes may require different lengths of time.

Is there a vegetarian version of American Goulash?

Certainly! Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based meat alternatives, and follow the rest of the recipe as is. You might want to add more veggies for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Why does my goulash seem watery?

If the goulash is too watery, it might need a bit longer to simmer. Allowing it to cook uncovered for a few minutes can also help evaporate excess liquid and thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.