The aroma of dinner wafting through the kitchen holds a special magic, doesn’t it? That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this comforting one-pot American Goulash. A delightful blend of ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish brings back the warmth of family meals and fills your home with love. What’s more, it’s incredibly quick to prepare and budget-friendly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a heartwarming Sunday gathering. Not only does it satisfy those hunger pangs, but it also serves as a delicious hug in a bowl, reminding us of simpler times and meaningful connections. So, are you ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy haven with the best American Goulash? Why is this American Goulash the best? Comforting, hearty meal: This one-pot wonder wraps you in warmth, combining tender macaroni and savory ground beef in a luscious tomato sauce. Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes—no fuss, just flavor. Crowd-pleaser: It feeds the whole family, making it an ideal dish for gatherings or cozy nights in. Customization opportunities: Have fun tailoring the ingredients! Try swapping the beef for turkey or adding veggies like bell peppers and peas for extra nutrition. Nostalgic flavors: Each bite evokes cherished family moments and childhood memories, making it more than just a meal—it’s comfort food at its finest. Best American Goulash Ingredients For the Meat Base • Ground Beef – Provides protein and richness; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version. • Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; yellow onions are recommended for the best flavor. • Bell Pepper – Contributes freshness and color; either green or red works wonderfully. • Garlic – Enhances flavor with aromatic notes; fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder is a quick substitute. For the Sauce • Tomato Sauce – Forms the main saucy base; can swap with crushed tomatoes or marinara for variation. • Diced Tomatoes – Adds texture and brightness; fire-roasted diced tomatoes give an extra smoky flavor. • Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor; both canned and tube varieties are great. • Beef Broth – Provides moisture and savory depth; for a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth. For the Pasta and Seasoning • Elbow Macaroni – Acts as the main carbohydrate; gluten-free pasta is a great alternative. • Paprika – Enhances color and adds a smoky flavor; sweet paprika offers mildness, while smoked paprika packs a punch. • Italian Seasoning – Blends herbs for added complexity; homemade mixes can be used if desired. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste based on dietary needs. For the Creamy Finish • Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds creaminess and comfort; substitute with mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese for variety. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best American Goulash Step 1: Brown the Beef Base Begin by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep your Best American Goulash flavorful and light. Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation Next, add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, allowing its aromatic flavor to enhance the mix. This is the fragrant base that makes your goulash delicious. Step 3: Create Tomato Sauce Stir in the tomato paste to the mixture and cook for roughly 2 minutes, allowing it to develop its rich flavor. Then, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, mixing well. Sprinkle in the paprika and Italian seasoning, then bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat. The bubbling sauce will start to emit a delightful aroma, indicating it’s ready for the next step. Step 4: Cook Pasta and Finish Once the sauce is boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the pasta to cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender and the sauce thickens. As the macaroni cooks, you’ll see it absorbing the flavors, creating that comforting essence of the Best American Goulash. Step 5: Add Cheese and Rest After the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the dish, creating a creamy finish. Let the goulash rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring each bite is a warm hug of deliciousness. Expert Tips for Best American Goulash Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly browned for a deeper flavor; this step is crucial for a rich taste. Stir Often: After adding the macaroni, stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensure even cooking. Adjust Liquid: If the dish seems too thick or dry, gradually add more beef broth to reach your desired consistency for the best American goulash. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses for variation; mozzarella adds a stretchy texture while feta offers a tangy twist. Serve Immediately: For optimal texture and taste, serve the goulash right after cooking. Reheating can change the pasta’s consistency. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to mix in peas or corn for added nutrition and a pop of color, enhancing the hearty nature of this dish. Best American Goulash Variations Explore ways to customize your best American goulash and elevate your dinner experience; the possibilities are endless! Ground Beef Swap: Replace with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. You’ll be surprised at how well turkey holds the dish together! Vegetable Boost: Add in diced carrots or zucchini to sneak in extra nutrition. They’ll soften nicely and blend well with the other flavors. Cheesy Surprise: Mix in creamy cream cheese or a splash of cream for an even richer, indulgent sauce. It’s a delightful twist that adds luxurious texture. Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for that zesty flavor boost. This fiery variation will definitely warm you up! Beans Addition: Stir in a can of kidney or black beans for added fiber and protein. They not only enrich the meal but also pack it with healthy nutrients. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for a fragrant finishing touch. The freshness beautifully contrasts the heartiness of the dish. Pasta Switch: Swap elbow macaroni for small shells or whole wheat pasta for a nutritious shift. Each small shape holds sauce differently, adding fun to every bite! Gluten-Free Option: Substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs while still enjoying the same comforting taste. You’ll love how well it blends with the sauce. Customizing your American goulash not only personalizes the dish to your family’s tastes but also keeps mealtime exciting. For recipes that also celebrate hearty meals, don’t miss out on discovering scrumptious One-Pot Pasta Dishes that will make your kitchen a hub of warmth and flavor! What to Serve with Comforting One-Pot American Goulash Imagine a warm and inviting family meal that not only fills the stomach but also wraps everyone in a comforting hug. Crusty Garlic Bread: The crunch of garlic bread complements the sauciness of the goulash, perfect for scooping up every delicious bite. Buttered Cornbread: Soft and sweet, cornbread adds a delightful contrast and enhances the hearty flavors of the goulash. Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings bright acidity, balancing the richness of the goulash beautifully. Steamed Broccoli: Nutritious and vibrant, steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and a healthy crunch to your meal. Cheesy Breadsticks: Gooey, cheesy breadsticks can be the highlight, perfect for dipping in that luscious sauce. Sweet Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like sweet tea or lemonade provide a lovely counterpoint to the savory dish, making the meal feel special. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End on a sweet note with warm chocolate chip cookies, a delightful way to finish off a comforting family dinner. Vanilla Ice Cream: A bowl of vanilla ice cream can offer a creamy contrast to the warm goulash, making it a delightful finale for your meal. Fruit Salad: A light and fruity salad can cleanse the palate, enhancing the overall dining experience with a burst of freshness. How to Store and Freeze Best American Goulash Fridge: Keep your leftover Best American goulash covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture. Freezer: Store portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing to maintain texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally and add a little beef broth if it seems dry. Portion Control: Consider freezing individual servings for quick meals on busy days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dish anytime. Make Ahead Options These delicious Best American Goulash are perfect for meal prep and can save you valuable time during busy weeknights! You can brown the ground beef and prepare the vegetable base (onions, bell peppers, and garlic) up to 24 hours in advance—just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, the goulash can be fully assembled and refrigerated for up to 3 days before cooking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply heat the mixture in a pot, add the uncooked elbow macaroni, and finish cooking as directed. This way, you’ll have a comforting dish just as delicious and heartwarming with minimal effort! Best American Goulash Recipe FAQs What type of ground beef should I use for this recipe? Absolutely! I recommend using a lean ground beef with about 80-85% lean meat. This fat content provides great flavor without excess grease. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works wonderfully as a substitute and still keeps the dish hearty. How should I store leftover American goulash? Very! Store your leftover Best American Goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist and flavorful. Just gently warm it on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. Can I freeze Best American Goulash for later? Definitely! To freeze, allow the goulash to cool completely. Then, portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed. What if my goulash is too thick after cooking? No worries! If you find your Best American Goulash is thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more beef broth or water during reheating to reach your desired consistency. Stir well, and heat gently on the stove until it’s warmed through. It’s an easy fix to maintain creaminess without losing flavor! Can I customize this recipe for my dietary needs? Of course! This dish is very versatile. If you or someone at your table has dietary restrictions, opt for gluten-free elbow macaroni or even zoodles (spiralized zucchini) for a low-carb option. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute for a lactose-free version. Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition, too! Are there any special considerations for storing it? Yes! When storing, make sure to let the goulash cool completely before sealing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish watery. Label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness, and always consume frozen goulash within three months for the best quality. Savory Best American Goulash for Cozy Family Nights Experience the heartwarming flavors of Best American Goulash, a comforting dish perfect for family nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: BeefCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meat Base1 lb Ground Beef or ground turkey for a lighter version1 medium Onion yellow recommended1 medium Bell Pepper green or red2 cloves Garlic mincedFor the Sauce15 oz Tomato Sauce or crushed tomatoes/marinara14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes fire-roasted for extra flavor2 tbsp Tomato Paste canned or tube1 cup Beef Broth or vegetable brothFor the Pasta and Seasoning2 cups Elbow Macaroni or gluten-free pasta1 tbsp Paprika sweet or smoked1 tbsp Italian Seasoning homemade mixes okto taste Saltto taste PepperFor the Creamy Finish2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese or mozzarella/dairy-free Equipment Large SkilletDutch oven Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Best American GoulashHeat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking into small crumbles. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then drain excess fat.Add diced onion and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Sprinkle in paprika and Italian seasoning, then bring to a gentle boil.Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesThis dish is a nostalgic comfort food perfect for gatherings and busy weeknights. Adjust spices and cheese to taste. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
