American Goulash Recipe

This easy American goulash recipe is a one-pot dinner made with ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. A classic comfort food, it’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or family meals.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 celery stick, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup water (plus more as needed)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (10 oz, or another small pasta)
• ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

---

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef
   Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven (at least 5 ½ quarts) over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 1 minute, breaking it apart with a spatula.
2. Cook the Vegetables
   Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Sauté until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in salt, oregano, pepper, and sugar.
3. Build the Sauce
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.
4. Add the Pasta
   Stir in macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally—especially in the first few minutes—to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add more hot water ¼ cup at a time if the mixture becomes too dry. It should remain saucy.
5. Finish and Serve
   Stir in parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A classic American comfort food that’s hearty, filling, and budget-friendly.
• One-pot recipe—easy cleanup and perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich tomato base with tender pasta and savory ground beef.
• Family-friendly meal that reheats well for leftovers.

---

Tips

• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
• Stir pasta frequently at the start of cooking to prevent sticking.
• Taste the sauce before adding sugar—adjust only if needed to balance acidity.
• For a thicker texture, simmer uncovered for a few minutes before serving.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
• Pasta: Any small pasta like shells, rotini, or penne works well.
• Cheese: Try mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
• Vegetables: Add zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Broth: Substitute beef broth instead of chicken stock for a richer flavor.

---

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. American goulash stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.

Can I freeze goulash?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Why did my pasta stick?
Pasta can sink to the bottom—stir frequently, especially in the first 5 minutes.

---

Serving

Serve hot in bowls topped with extra parmesan cheese. Pair with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

---

Suggestions

• Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
• Double the recipe to feed a crowd or freeze leftovers for quick weeknight dinners.