What Is American Goulash? A Hearty and Comforting Dish
American goulash is a rich, flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender ground beef, macaroni noodles, and a savory tomato-based sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying and comforting experience. This dish brings together the warmth of spices, the tang of tomatoes, and the creaminess of cheese in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy gatherings, American goulash delivers both convenience and comfort. It’s naturally nut-free and can be adapted for gluten-free or low-carb diets, making it a versatile option for diverse dietary needs. With its hearty texture and bold flavors, this dish is a timeless favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This American Goulash Recipe
This American goulash recipe stands out for its vibrant flavors and effortless preparation. The savory ground beef pairs beautifully with tangy tomatoes, aromatic spices, and creamy melted cheese, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet remains wholesome. It’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings or last-minute meals. The recipe is naturally nut-free and easily adapted for gluten-free or lower-sodium diets. Plus, it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, salads, or a glass of red wine. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this dish impresses with its simplicity and heartiness.
Key Ingredients for Making Perfect American Goulash
To create flawless American goulash, gather these essentials: canola or vegetable oil (2 tablespoons), yellow onion (1 medium, diced), red bell pepper (1, seeded and diced), garlic (2 cloves, pressed or minced), sweet paprika (1½ teaspoons), dried oregano (1 teaspoon), kosher salt (¾ teaspoon), red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon), lean ground beef (1 pound, 85% lean), tomato paste (1 tablespoon), diced tomatoes (15 ounces, undrained), tomato sauce (15 ounces), low-sodium beef broth (1½ cups), Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons), uncooked elbow macaroni (1½ cups), red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon), shredded medium cheddar cheese (1 cup), and chopped fresh parsley for garnish. For dietary needs, swap traditional pasta for gluten-free options or use plant-based ingredients for a vegan version. These ingredients ensure a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making American Goulash
Making American goulash is simple and rewarding. Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spatula. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil. Add uncooked macaroni, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles soften and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in red wine vinegar. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning if needed and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor in American Goulash
For the best American goulash, use high-quality ground beef it offers richer flavor and juicier texture compared to leaner alternatives. Avoid overcooking the macaroni; it should be tender but not mushy. Taste the dish after adding cheese, as flavors concentrate during cooking. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of beef broth to achieve the desired consistency. Use fresh garlic and quality spices for maximum aroma and depth. These small details ensure a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.
How to Customize Your American Goulash for Unique Twists
Make American goulash your own with creative variations. For a low-carb option, substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Add depth with smoked paprika, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles based on preference or availability. Stir in diced carrots, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan for added crunch. These adaptations keep the dish exciting while maintaining its comforting essence.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing American Goulash with Drinks or Sides
American goulash pairs beautifully with sides and beverages that enhance its rich, savory notes. Serve it alongside crusty bread, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or extra parsley for visual appeal. Beverage-wise, a chilled glass of red wine like Merlot, sparkling water with lemon, or herbal tea complements the dish’s tangy, cheesy flavors. These pairings turn a simple one-pot meal into a memorable dining experience.
Storage Tips: How to Store and Preserve Leftover Goulash
Store leftover American goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To restore moisture, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the macaroni mushy. Proper storage ensures your goulash stays flavorful and ready to enjoy again.
See Also:
Frequently Asked Questions About American Goulash
Q: Can I use pre-cooked ground beef instead of raw beef?
A: Yes, but reduce cooking time significantly to avoid overcooking.
Q: What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
A: Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar works well for similar results.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking labels on other ingredients.
Q: How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming too mushy?
A: Cook the pasta just until al dente and avoid over-stirring.
Q: Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; reheat just before serving.
Why American Goulash Is a Must-Try for Any Occasion
American goulash shines for its simplicity, heartiness, and universal appeal. It transforms pantry staples and fresh ingredients into a dish that feels special yet requires minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting guests, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving comfort food, this recipe delivers consistent satisfaction. With endless room to customize (through proteins, vegetables, or seasonings) it invites creativity while staying rooted in tradition. One bite offers warmth, richness, and pure joy. That’s why this dish deserves a permanent place in your culinary repertoire.
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American Goulash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
American goulash is a rich, flavorful one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, macaroni noodles, and a savory tomato-based sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy gatherings. Easily made gluten-free or low-carb.
Ingredients
For the Dish:
– 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
– 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
– 1½ tsp sweet paprika
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– ¾ tsp kosher salt
– ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean; substitute turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles if needed)
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 15 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
– 15 oz tomato sauce
– 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth (substitute vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for substitution)
– 1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni (substitute gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice for dietary needs)
– 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 cup shredded medium cheddar cheese (substitute plant-based cheese for vegan option)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spatula.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil.
- Add uncooked macaroni, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles soften and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in red wine vinegar.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
– Use high-quality ground beef: It offers richer flavor and juicier texture compared to leaner alternatives.
– Avoid overcooking macaroni: Cook just until al dente to prevent mushiness.
– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth. Avoid microwaving to prevent mushy noodles.
– Customizations: Swap macaroni for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Add diced carrots, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition. Use smoked paprika or chili powder for added depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course / One-Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings per recipe)
- Calories: ~350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg