This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you need a dinner that feels like a big cozy hug at the end of a long day, this American goulash is it. It’s the kind of simple, no-fuss meal that comes together in one pot with pantry staples you probably already have—ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce that just hits all the right notes.
Nothing fancy here, just a tried-and-true comfort food classic that’s hearty, satisfying, and always a hit with the whole family (especially on those busy nights when you need something easy and dependable).
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
How to Make American Goulash
If you’ve tried Hungarian Goulash, you probably think American Goulash – which isn’t so much of a soup and more closely resembles hamburger helper – but it holds so many of the same flavors, thanks to a heaping dose of paprika and lots of beef!
American Goulash Ingredients
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Elbow Macaroni: This pasta is a staple in American Goulash. It absorbs the flavors of the sauce and adds a satisfying, chewy texture. Its shape also helps to evenly distribute the ingredients in each bite.
- Ground Beef: The foundation of the dish, ground beef adds richness and protein. It provides a robust flavor that is central to the goulash.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese brings a creamy, tangy element. When melted into the goulash, it adds a gooey texture and a depth of flavor that contrasts nicely with the tang of the tomatoes.
- Beef Stock: Beef stock enhances the meaty flavor of the ground beef. It also helps to create a rich, savory broth that the macaroni absorbs as it cooks.
- Bell Pepper: Bell pepper adds a sweet, slightly earthy flavor. It also introduces a bit of crunch, providing a nice textural contrast.
- Paprika: This spice is key in adding depth and a hint of smokiness. Paprika complements the beef and tomatoes, rounding out the flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: These seasoning essentials are crucial for enhancing all the flavors in the goulash. They bring balance and help to unify the various ingredients.
- Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce provides the base for the goulash’s liquid component. It adds a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor that is characteristic of this dish.
- Can of Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add texture and a fresh tomato flavor, which complements the more concentrated tomato sauce.
- Onion: Onion is fundamental for a savory depth. It adds a slight sweetness when cooked down and forms the flavor base along with the garlic.
- 8 Cloves Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic quality that is essential in savory dishes like goulash. It pairs perfectly with onions to create a flavor foundation.
Steps to make American Goulash
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this process:
Cook Ingredients
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper.
Sauté
Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent. Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
Simmer
Stir in the beef stock, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, paprika, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Boil then reduce. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir well and continue to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. Stir in the cheese and enjoy!
American Goulash Recipe Tips
Quality of Beef Matters: Use good quality ground beef for the best flavor. Lean beef works well as it reduces the amount of fat in the dish, but a slightly higher fat content can add more flavor.
Brown the Beef Well: Take the time to properly brown the beef. This step adds depth to the flavor. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a healthier result.
Sauté the Aromatics: Before or while adding the beef, sauté onions and garlic in the same pot. Onions can brown at the same time as beef, since they take about as long to brown – so if you don’t mind some extra stirring to prevent onions from burning, you can brown them together at the same time. This process helps to release their natural sugars and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with seasonings. Paprika, oregano, and bay leaves are traditional, but you can also add thyme or basil for additional flavor. Remember to season with salt and pepper to taste.
Use Quality Tomatoes: The tomato base is crucial in American Goulash. Use good quality canned tomatoes for consistency and depth of flavor.
Consider the Pasta: Traditional American Goulash uses elbow macaroni. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce, preventing it from becoming too mushy.
Simmer Slowly: Let the goulash simmer on a low heat for at least 20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adjust the Liquid: The consistency of goulash can vary based on preference. Adjust the amount of broth or water to achieve your desired thickness.
Add a Secret Ingredient: For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Let it Rest: Allow the goulash to rest for a few minutes off the heat before serving. This resting period lets the flavors settle and intensify.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or grated cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
What to Serve With American Goulash
Try a fresh garden salad, warm garlic bread, sautéed green beans, grilled corn on the cob, or roasting Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt brings out a nutty flavor that pairs well with goulash.
Try these favorites with your Goulash:
Click here to view the web story for this recipe!
If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Please also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Share on Facebook
SharePin this now to find it later
Pin ItFollow on Instagram
Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!
Goulash Recipe (American)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 cups beef stock
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 3 tablespoons paprika, sweet or smoked, based on preference
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent, not browned. Don't brown the onion as it will continue to brown with beef.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the beef stock, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, paprika, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender. If the goulash seems too thick, you can add a little more beef stock or water.
- Once the macaroni is cooked and the heat is turned off, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and blends into the goulash. Stir quickly to mix cheese throughout, it should melt easily and incorporate into the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Goulash Recipe (American) FAQs
American Goulash, also known as goulash or American chop suey, is a one-pot dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. It’s a comfort food staple in many American homes, known for its simplicity and heartiness.
Hungarian Goulash is more of a stew, made with chunks of beef, vegetables, and seasoned primarily with paprika. American Goulash, on the other hand, is more pasta-based, uses ground beef, and typically includes tomatoes and other American seasonings.
Absolutely! Brown the beef and onions before adding them to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients, except the pasta. Add the cooked pasta just before serving to avoid it becoming mushy.
Lean ground beef is typically recommended for goulash to keep it less greasy. However, you can use a higher fat content for more flavor and simply drain the excess fat after browning.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the quantity of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Any small pasta will work, such as shells, rotini, or penne. The key is to use pasta that can easily mix with the beef and tomato sauce.
Yes, American Goulash freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Paprika, garlic, oregano, and bay leaves are classic. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste, and consider a pinch of cayenne for heat or a bay leaf for depth.
Definitely. Bell peppers, carrots, and corn are popular additions. They add nutrition and flavor to the dish.
On the stovetop, it typically takes about 30-40 minutes to cook American Goulash. If using a slow cooker, it can take 4-6 hours on low heat.
