American Goulash Recipe: Hearty and Comforting

Introduction

American Goulash is a classic, family-friendly dish known for its hearty blend of ground beef, tender macaroni, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This one-pot meal delivers comforting flavors with a simple, satisfying texture, reminiscent of traditional home cooking. Its aesthetic appeal shines through a vibrant, saucy mixture served in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with fresh parsley for a rustic, inviting look. This recipe offers a traditional American Goulash, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served hot for a warm, fulfilling experience.

Ingredients

For the American Goulash:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

For Serving:

• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Suggested Accompaniments: Green beans, dinner rolls, or side salad
• Suggested Pairings: Sourdough bread or cornbread
• Suggested Beverage: Iced tea, milk, or red wine
• Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl for a cozy look
• Suggested Equipment: Large pot or Dutch oven

Step-by-Step Process

1. Cook Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook Pasta: Stir in uncooked macaroni. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened. Add 1/4 cup water if the mixture becomes too thick.
5. Add Cheese (Optional): Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted, if using, for a creamy texture.
6. Serve: Ladle goulash into white ceramic bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley for color. Serve hot with green beans, dinner rolls, and iced tea for a cozy aesthetic.

Tips for Better American Goulash

• Use 80/20 ground beef for flavor; drain excess fat for a lighter dish.
• Dice vegetables uniformly for even cooking and a polished look.
• Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking; check doneness to avoid mushiness.
• Adjust seasoning after simmering; tomato sauce can vary in saltiness.
• Add cheese gradually off the heat to prevent curdling and ensure smooth melting.
• Simmer gently to blend flavors without reducing the sauce too much.
• Taste before serving and add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
• Enhance aesthetic: Swirl parsley sprigs on top and serve in deep bowls to showcase the vibrant sauce for a warm, homey presentation.

Variations and Customization

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace beef with 1 lb plant-based ground meat or 2 cups cooked lentils; use vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free Goulash: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
• Spicy Goulash: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 diced jalapeño with the vegetables.
• Cheesy Goulash: Increase cheese to 1.5 cups and sprinkle extra on top before serving.
• Turkey Goulash: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Veggie-Packed Goulash: Add 1 cup diced zucchini or carrots with the bell pepper.
• Beefy Goulash: Use 1.5 lbs of ground beef and reduce pasta to 1 cup for a meatier dish.
• Slow Cooker Goulash: Brown beef and vegetables, then combine all ingredients (except pasta) in a slow cooker; cook on low 6-8 hours, add pasta in the last 30 minutes.

Storage and Serving Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge and reheat on stovetop.
• Serve hot for the best texture; cold goulash is less appealing.
• Use leftovers as a filling for stuffed peppers or over baked potatoes.
• Avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
• Pair with light sides like a side salad to balance the hearty dish.
• Present in white ceramic bowls to highlight the rich sauce; garnish with parsley tucked around the edges for a cozy vibe.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (1.5 cups each, without cheese):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 22g
• Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 25% Daily Value
• Calcium: 6% Daily Value
• Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Nutritional values vary based on ingredient brands and optional cheese. This dish is moderate in calories, high in protein from beef, and rich in fiber from vegetables. For dietary needs, try vegetarian or gluten-free variations. Serve with vegetables for balance.

Conclusion

This American Goulash recipe delivers a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, transforming simple ingredients into a beloved classic. Its one-pot preparation and rustic presentation make it a favorite for home cooks. The savory beef and saucy pasta, accented with fresh garnishes, create a delightful combination. This recipe is sure to become a cherished staple, loved for its robust flavors and cozy appeal.

American Goulash Recipe: Hearty and Comforting

Hearty American goulash with beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cheddar cheese optional
• Optional: Parsley
• Suggested Pairings: Green beans dinner rolls

Instructions

 

• Brown beef in a large pot 5-7 min; drain fat.
• Sauté onion, bell pepper 4-5 min; add garlic 1 min.
• Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire, seasonings; simmer.
• Stir in macaroni; cover, simmer 12-15 min until tender.
• Stir in cheese if using.
• Garnish with parsley; serve hot in bowls with green beans, rolls, and iced tea.

Notes

• Use 80/20 beef for flavor.
• Store in fridge 4 days, freeze 3 months.
• Try a vegetarian variation.
• Pair with sourdough bread.