Name: American Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1½ pounds ground beef (lean or extra lean); ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 medium yellow onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 28 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can); 2 cups passata (or tomato sauce); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cups beef broth (low sodium); 2 bay leaves; 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry, uncooked); 1½ cups cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon parsley (freshly chopped, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 19 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings the whole family running to the dinner table, look no further than American Goulash. This one-pot wonder is brimming with hearty ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and gooey cheddar cheese. Every bite tastes like a big, warm hug from home, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Whether you grew up with this dish or you’re meeting it for the first time, American Goulash is classic, satisfying, and always a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the greatest things about American Goulash is how it transforms a few pantry staples into something truly magical. Each ingredient brings its own special touch, making this dish the epitome of home-cooked happiness.

Olive Oil: A quick sauté in olive oil builds the first layer of rich, savory flavor.
Ground Beef: Lean or extra lean beef keeps this goulash hearty but not greasy—don’t forget to drain excess fat for the best texture.
Salt and Pepper: These basics bring out all the flavors; season to taste as you go!
Italian Seasoning: A spoonful of dried herbs instantly elevates the tomato sauce and ties everything together.
Yellow Onion: Sautéed onion softens and sweetens the flavor, adding depth to the base.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic perfumes the whole pot—don’t skip it!
Diced Tomatoes: Adds juicy chunks and a bit of tang to the sauce; canned is perfect for ease.
Passata (or Tomato Sauce): For velvety smoothness and a beautiful, rich color in every spoonful.
Soy Sauce: Sounds unusual, but it brings umami depth without any noticeable soy flavor.
Beef Broth: Turns simple ingredients into a saucy, crave-worthy dish while keeping everything moist.
Bay Leaves: Lend an aromatic note that simmers gently in the background—remove before serving.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that soaks up all that savory sauce; any short pasta will work in a pinch.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy richness and that signature cheesy finish everyone loves.
Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the finished dish with color and freshness.

How to Make American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat, letting those little browned bits form for extra flavor. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it off, leaving just a couple spoonfuls behind to keep your goulash rich but not oily.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Toss in the Italian seasoning and the chopped onion, stirring everything together. Let the onion cook down for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it softens and turns slightly translucent. Once the onion’s ready, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. The garlic will become fragrant and combine beautifully with the herbs, setting the stage for the saucy goodness to come.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), passata or tomato sauce, soy sauce, beef broth, and add the bay leaves. Give it a good stir and bring the whole mixture up to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the flavors mingle for about 20 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the dried elbow macaroni, pop the lid back on, and let everything simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a gentle stir a couple of times as it cooks to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together. You’ll know it’s ready when the macaroni is tender and has soaked up lots of those savory juices.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Parsley

Once the macaroni’s just right, fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese melts quickly, turning the whole pot into a luscious, creamy delight. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves before ladling into bowls, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve American Goulash

Garnishes

For maximum flavor and eye appeal, serve your American Goulash with a shower of freshly chopped parsley and maybe even an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top. If you love a little zing, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes brings a gentle heat without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

This goulash is wonderfully filling on its own, but it’s also perfect with a hunk of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. A bright, crisp green salad on the side balances the rich and hearty flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

American Goulash is incredibly down-to-earth, but you can dress it up for special occasions! Try serving it in individual ramekins, or spoon it into bell pepper halves and bake for a fun twist. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out a toppings bar with sour cream, chopped chives, or even jalapeños so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover American Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store any cooled leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you find it’s thickened in the fridge, just stir in a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

This dish is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Allow the American Goulash to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer portions to a pot over medium heat, adding a little broth or water to restore its sauciness. You can also warm it in the microwave, stirring once or twice to ensure it heats evenly. Don’t forget to add a bit of fresh cheese or parsley on top for that just-cooked flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef in American Goulash?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter version, and you could even use plant-based crumbles if you’d like a vegetarian twist. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed.

Does American Goulash have to use elbow macaroni?

Elbow macaroni is traditional and great for soaking up sauce, but any short pasta like shells or rotini will fit right in. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and add more broth if needed.

Is the soy sauce really necessary?

While it might seem like an odd addition, soy sauce deepens the savory flavor without leaving a pronounced taste. If you skip it, the goulash might miss some of its signature hearty depth.

Can I make American Goulash ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors actually improve as it sits—make it the day before and reheat gently on the stovetop for a perfect, stress-free meal.

What should I do if my goulash turns out too thick?

No worries! Just stir in a little extra beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta will keep soaking up liquid as it sits, so loosen it up as needed before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about gathering around a pot of American Goulash—it’s simple, cozy, and built for sharing. If you’ve never made it from scratch, you’re in for a true treat. Give this classic recipe a try and see just how comforting and delicious homemade goulash can be!