American Goulash: A Hearty Comfort Food Favorite

American Goulash Recipe

It’s a chilly evening, your kitchen smells like pure nostalgia, and a steaming pot of American goulash sits on the stove—a dish that’s way more than just dinner. This isn’t some fancy restaurant creation; this is the kind of meal your grandmother would make, the one that hugs you from the inside out.

American goulash isn’t about culinary perfection. It’s about memories, simplicity, and transforming everyday ingredients into something magical. Born from resourceful home cooks who knew how to stretch a dollar and feed a hungry family, this recipe is a testament to American cooking: practical, hearty, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredient Deep Dive and Technique Breakdown

Meat Selection

The heart of this goulash starts with ground beef. But not just any ground beef—look for an 80/20 blend. That perfect ratio of lean meat to fat ensures your dish stays juicy and flavorful. Pro tip: If you’re watching calories, lean ground turkey works wonderfully too.

Tomato Base Magic

Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, the American version leans heavily on tomato sauce. We’re using a combination of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes to create a rich, slightly chunky base. The fire-roasted variety adds an extra layer of depth that’ll make people wonder about your secret ingredient.

Detailed Cooking Technique

Step 1: The Perfect Meat Browning

Temperature Matters: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
Don’t Rush: Cook on medium-high, allowing each piece to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust
Drain Wisely: Remove excess fat, but leave those delicious browned bits for flavor

Step 2: Aromatics and Flavor Building

Sauté onions until they’re translucent and slightly caramelized
Add minced garlic in the last minute to prevent burning
These steps build a flavor foundation that elevates the entire dish

Step 3: The One-Pot Wonder Method

By adding uncooked pasta directly into the sauce, you’re not just cooking—you’re creating magic. The pasta absorbs the sauce’s flavors, thickening naturally and eliminating extra dishes.

Serving and Presentation

This isn’t just food; it’s a canvas. Top with fresh parsley for color, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for tang, or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. Each addition tells its own story.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6-8 people
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
2 medium onions, diced
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 cups water
2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley, chopped
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

Brown the Meat (10 minutes)

In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat
Drain excess fat
Add diced onions and garlic, sauté until onions are translucent

Create the Sauce (5 minutes)

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and water
Stir in Italian seasoning
Season with salt and pepper
Bring mixture to a simmer

Cook the Pasta (20 minutes)

Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the meat sauce
Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally
Cook until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened

Final Touch (5 minutes)

Let stand for 5 minutes before serving
Garnish with fresh parsley, cheese, or sour cream if desired

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 380 per serving
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 18g

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 3 months
Reheating: Warm in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed

Pro Tips

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat
For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Can substitute ground turkey for a lighter version

Conclusion

American Goulash isn’t just a meal—it’s a culinary hug that brings families together. With minimal prep, maximum flavor, and total comfort, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this goulash promises satisfaction in every bite.