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American Goulash Recipe

The Best American Goulash Recipe – A One-Pot Comfort Food Classic

This classic American Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the ground beef – In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
  • Sauté the onions and garlic – Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the sauce and seasonings – Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • Simmer the sauce – Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni – Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
  • Finish and serve – Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of soy sauce.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes before adding the pasta.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Michael Brown
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 05 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 mg
  • Fiber: 4 G

Keywords: goulash, American goulash, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, one-pot meal