Hearty American Goulash

Whip up a satisfying meal in no time with this incredibly easy and comforting American Goulash Recipe. A true one-pot wonder, it brings together seasoned ground beef, vibrant peppers, and tender pasta in a rich, savory tomato sauce that your entire family will adore. This classic comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights, offering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Contents

Toggle

The Weeknight Dinner That Disappears in Seconds!

There’s something truly special about a meal that’s both incredibly easy to make and universally loved by everyone at the table. This American Goulash is exactly that. I vividly remember the first time I whipped this up for my family. The fridge held some ground beef, the pantry offered a box of pasta, and my energy levels for cooking were at an all-time low. My solution? A single pot, a handful of simple ingredients, and letting it all simmer together while I tackled other tasks around the house.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was incredible, drawing everyone in. The ultimate seal of approval came when my kids, notoriously picky eaters, asked for second helpings! That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. It quickly became a staple in my rotation of easy weeknight dinners, right alongside favorites like this hearty chicken tortilla soup. The beauty of this goulash is how adaptable it is – I often swap pasta shapes, sneak in extra vegetables for added nutrition, or vary the type of cheese based on what I have on hand. It’s a forgiving recipe that always delivers on flavor, comfort, and a happy family.

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect American Goulash

Creating a truly outstanding American Goulash starts with understanding its core ingredients. This dish shines with simple, wholesome components that come together to form a rich, satisfying, and deeply comforting meal. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with smart substitutions and valuable tips to tailor the recipe to your pantry and preferences, ensuring a delicious outcome every time:

Mastering Your American Goulash: A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide

Making this American Goulash is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal recipe even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a rich, flavorful, and perfectly comforting meal that will become a regular in your household:

1. Prepare Your Aromatics: Begin by finely dicing your yellow onion and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves thoroughly. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready before you start cooking (this is called mise en place) makes the entire process smooth and efficient, preventing any last-minute rushing or burning.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven (a cast-iron pot works beautifully for even heat distribution) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the finely diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust if necessary to prevent the garlic from burning, which can turn bitter. Simultaneously, if you plan to cook the pasta separately, bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil on a separate burner.
3. Brown the Beef and Build Flavor: Push the softened vegetables to one side of the pot, creating a clear space in the center. Increase the heat slightly to high and add the lean ground beef to this cleared section. Let the beef sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds on each side to develop a good crust and deeper flavor. Then, use a sturdy spoon or spatula to break up the beef into crumbles. Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to ensure your goulash isn’t overly oily. Reduce the heat back to medium.
4. Layer in the Seasonings: Now, stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder into the beef and vegetable mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to “bloom” in the hot oil. This crucial step intensifies their flavors and aromas, making your goulash taste incredibly rich and complex. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Create the Hearty Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Use your spoon to gently scrape the bottom of the pot, loosening any browned bits (known as fond) from the beef and vegetables – these caramelized bits add incredible depth of flavor to your sauce. Stir in the beef bouillon powder (or crumbled bouillon cubes), Worcestershire sauce for an umami kick, and the bay leaves. Stir everything gently to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer.
6. Simmer for Depth: Allow the goulash sauce to simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. For a truly rich, deeply flavored, and fragrant sauce, an ideal simmering time is 30-45 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld and deepen, transforming simple ingredients into a complex and incredibly delicious sauce. While the sauce is simmering, if you haven’t already, take this time to shred your cheese.
7. Cook the Pasta: About 10 minutes before your sauce is ready, add the uncooked elbow macaroni (or your chosen pasta shape) to the boiling salted water from step 2 (or a freshly boiled pot). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente – tender but still firm to the bite. It’s important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb liquid once mixed with the hot sauce. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
8. Combine and Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot of goulash from the heat. Stir in the freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated, creating a wonderfully creamy texture. If you’re serving immediately, add the drained cooked macaroni directly to the pot with the meat mixture and stir gently to combine thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the rich sauce. If you anticipate having leftovers, it’s often best to add the macaroni to individual serving bowls and then top with the meat mixture. This method helps prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft or bloated when stored.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Taste the goulash and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Serve hot, perhaps with a garnish of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese, and prepare for rave reviews!

Pro Tips for American Goulash Perfection

Achieving the perfect American Goulash is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips and tricks. These pointers will help elevate your dish from good to truly unforgettable, ensuring a flavorful and comforting meal every time:

• Invest in Quality Tomatoes: The quality of your canned tomatoes significantly impacts the depth and richness of the final sauce. Opt for premium brands like San Marzano® crushed tomatoes for their superior flavor. For an extra smoky depth, consider using Muir Glen® fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Alternatively, a 15-ounce can of a high-quality marinara sauce (such as Rao’s®) can be swapped for the tomato sauce for an even richer and more complex base.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese offers convenience, it often contains anti-caking agents (like cellulose) that prevent it from melting as smoothly and creamily as desired. For a truly luscious, gooey finish, take a few extra minutes to grate your sharp Cheddar (or preferred cheese) fresh from the block. The difference in texture and melt is remarkable.
• Generously Season Your Pasta Water: Don’t underestimate the importance of seasoning the water when cooking your pasta. Since the goulash sauce itself is robustly seasoned, well-salted pasta water ensures the macaroni itself has flavor from the inside out, rather than just being a bland vehicle for the sauce. The water should taste like the sea! This fundamental step elevates the overall taste of the dish.
• Bloom Your Spices: This is a game-changer for flavor development! Sautéing your dry seasonings (like Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder) with the meat and vegetables for a minute or two before adding any liquid is crucial. This “blooming” process in hot oil releases their aromatic compounds, intensifying their flavor and making your goulash taste incredibly rich and complex.
• Embrace the Simmer: If time allows, resist the urge to rush the simmering process. Let your goulash sauce simmer for at least 30-45 minutes. This extended cooking time allows all the individual flavors to truly meld and deepen, transforming simple ingredients into a sauce that is far more complex and incredibly delicious. A longer simmer also helps thicken the sauce naturally and tenderizes any remaining bits of meat or vegetable.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your elbow macaroni (or chosen pasta) to al dente according to the package directions. It’s vital to remember that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid and soften slightly once it’s mixed with the hot goulash sauce. Overcooked, mushy pasta can unfortunately ruin the otherwise perfect texture of this comforting dish.
• Adjust Seasoning at the End: Always, always taste your goulash before serving. The flavors can evolve and concentrate during the simmering process, and you might find it needs a final pinch of salt, a dash more freshly ground pepper, or even a touch more Worcestershire sauce to perfectly balance everything and bring out the best in the dish.

Rating: 4.53/5 from 23 votes

Classic American Goulash Recipe

By Chelsea Lords

This American Goulash Recipe is hearty comfort food made easy! Savory beef, peppers, and onions simmered in a rich tomato sauce, tossed with pasta, and topped with cheese—all ready in under an hour for a quick, satisfying family meal!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20-40 minutes

Total Time: 40-60 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Pin Recipe |
Print Recipe

Watch the Video Tutorial!

For a visual guide to making this delicious American Goulash, watch our step-by-step video. It walks you through each stage of the cooking process, ensuring perfect results every time. Follow along as we bring this comforting classic to life in your kitchen!

Equipment Needed

• Large cast-iron pot or Dutch oven (for cooking the goulash)
• Medium pot (for cooking the pasta separately)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander for draining pasta

Ingredients for 6 Servings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
• 1 cup diced red bell pepper (about 1 medium pepper)
• 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic (3–4 cloves)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 recommended)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (We recommend sea salt and freshly ground pepper)
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder (or 2 crumbled beef bouillon cubes)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Detailed Instructions

1. Prep the Vegetables: Finely dice the yellow onion and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves thoroughly. This preparation ensures everything is ready for a smooth cooking process.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large cast-iron pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and translucent. Adjust heat if needed to prevent garlic from burning. Meanwhile, bring a separate medium pot of water to a rolling boil for the pasta.
3. Brown the Beef: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot to create space. Add the ground beef to the empty side, letting it sear for 30 seconds on each side before breaking it up. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess grease from the pot. Reduce heat to medium.
4. Add Flavor Boosters: Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder into the beef and vegetable mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing the spices to bloom and release their full aroma. Season with black pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce and fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the beef bouillon powder, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. Stir gently. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 45 minutes for a richer flavor.
6. Cook the Macaroni: Once the water in the separate pot is boiling, season it generously with salt (about ¾ tablespoon). Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly once cooked.
7. Finish with Cheese: Remove the goulash pot from the heat. Stir in the freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and creamy, blending seamlessly into the sauce.
8. Combine and Serve: If serving immediately, add the drained macaroni directly to the goulash and stir to combine thoroughly. If you anticipate having leftovers, it’s best to add the macaroni to individual serving bowls and then top with the meat mixture. This prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft or bloated when stored. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal!

Recipe Notes for Best Results

Storage: Store leftover American Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the pasta tends to absorb a lot of the sauce, so you might want to add a splash of beef broth, water, or even a little milk to loosen it up and restore its creamy texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully, making it excellent for meal prep. Allow the goulash to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen goulash overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using the same methods as refrigerated leftovers, adding liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 336 kcal | Carbohydrates: 35.7g | Protein: 22.4g | Fat: 11.6g | Cholesterol: 50.3mg | Sodium: 271.7mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 6.4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary significantly based on specific ingredients used, brands, and preparation methods.