The Best American Goulash Recipe: Comforting Homestyle Magic

Comfort and nostalgia merge perfectly in this hearty american goulash that whispers stories of grandma’s kitchen.

Memories of childhood dinners flood back with each savory bite.

Tender pasta mingles with rich ground beef, creating a symphony of classic flavors.

Weeknight meals don’t get more satisfying than this one-pot wonder.

Simplicity meets deliciousness in a recipe that comes together faster than you can set the table.

Each forkful promises warmth and satisfaction that connects generations.

Tasty Takes on American Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef and sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a protein-packed meat-free version. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for more depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice. Use tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure complete gluten-free compatibility.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for oregano and thyme. Add spinach for extra nutrition and color.

FAQs

• Is American Goulash similar to Hungarian Goulash?

No, they’re quite different. American Goulash is a one-pot pasta dish with ground beef and tomato sauce, while Hungarian Goulash is a beef stew with paprika and fewer ingredients.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. These herbs will provide a similar flavor profile to the pre-mixed Italian seasoning.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! American Goulash reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

American Goulash Perfect For Classic Comfort

• Quick One-Pot Meal: This American Goulash delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, allowing you to prepare a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes without multiple pots and pans.
• Protein-Packed Family Comfort: Combining ground beef and sausage creates a hearty, satisfying meal that delivers rich protein and tastes.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt this recipe by swapping meats, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra vegetables to suit individual preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

American Goulash Pasta and Sauce Components

• Ground Beef: Rich source of protein that provides hearty base for the goulash, choose lean or regular based on preference.
• Sausage: Adds depth of flavor and extra richness to the meat mixture, select mild or spicy Italian sausage.

• Onions, Green Peppers: Classic aromatic vegetables that create flavor foundation, fresh and crisp produce makes a big difference.
• Garlic: Intensely fragrant ingredient that enhances overall taste profile, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy base for sauce, opt for no-salt-added variety for better control.
• Marinara Sauce: Smooth tomato sauce that adds depth and richness, choose high-quality brand.
• Beef Broth: Liquid component that adds moisture and meaty flavor, low-sodium versions recommended.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth, reduces need for extra salt.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Complex flavor enhancer with slight tanginess.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that provides traditional goulash flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for overall taste adjustment.

• Pasta: Hearty base that absorbs sauce flavors, elbow macaroni traditionally used.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright finishing touch with fresh herb flavor.

How To Cook American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Meaty Goodness

Grab a large deep-sided pot and toss in ground beef and sausage.

Crank up the heat to medium-high and break down the proteins into delicious crumbly bits.

Let those meats sizzle and dance, releasing their rich flavors.

Step 2: Pasta Preparation Magic

While the meats are cooking, boil your pasta to perfection following the package instructions.

Once done, drain and set aside, ready to join the flavor party.

Step 3: Veggie Transformation

• Onions
• Green peppers

Let them mingle and soften for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Garlic Burst

Sprinkle in minced garlic and let it release its aromatic magic for about a minute.

The kitchen will start smelling incredibly inviting.

Step 5: Sauce Symphony

• Diced tomatoes
• Marinara sauce
• Beef broth
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and let it simmer uncovered, allowing the flavors to develop and blend for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Pasta and Sauce Unite

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Optional but recommended: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Goulash Tips For Classic American Flavor

• Remove excess fat carefully to prevent soggy goulash, but keep a small amount for rich flavor and preventing pasta stickiness.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain texture and prevent mushiness when mixed into the sauce.
• Dice onions and green peppers uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Add seasonings incrementally and taste as you go, allowing flavors to develop and blend smoothly without overwhelming the protein.
• Swap ground beef and sausage with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter or vegetarian versions of the goulash.

Goulash Stores Heartily for an Easy Reheat

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the goulash fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers, ensuring you leave some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Bold Matches For Goulash

• Savor Robust Red Wine Pairing: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel complements the hearty meat and rich tomato sauce, enhancing the goulash's deep flavor profile with its tannic structure.
• Craft Beer Connection: Choose a malty amber ale or dark lager that mirrors the dish's robust character, cutting through the richness while providing a complementary taste experience.
• Fresh Herb Sprinkle Technique: Scatter freshly chopped parsley or chives on top to introduce a bright, clean note that lifts the heavy flavors and adds a vibrant visual contrast.
• Crisp Side Salad Strategy: Prepare a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the goulash's richness, offering a refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.

American Goulash Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty american goulash brings comfort to dinner tables with its rich, meaty embrace of classic midwestern flavors. Savory beef, tender macaroni, and a robust tomato sauce create a satisfying meal that welcomes you home with warmth and nostalgia.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef (~85 to 95% lean)
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground sausage (or another ground protein)

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) elbow macaroni (or another small pasta)
• 1 small white or yellow onion, diced small
• 1 medium green pepper, seeded and diced small
• 3–4 cloves garlic, finely minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 14.5-ounce (411 grams) cans diced tomatoes
• 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara or tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth (reduced sodium)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce (reduced sodium)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (or as desired)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or as desired)
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, finely minced (optional, for garnishing)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef and sausage in a robust, deep-sided vessel over medium-high temperature, methodically fragmenting the proteins while they transform.
2. Simultaneously prepare pasta in a separate pot according to package guidelines, then set aside for future integration.
3. Introduce chopped onions and vibrant green peppers into the meat mixture, sautéing until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
4. Infuse the skillet with minced garlic, allowing its pungent fragrance to permeate the developing landscape of flavors.
5. Stream in diced tomatoes, robust marinara, savory beef broth, umami-rich soy sauce, tangy Worcestershire sauce, herbal Italian seasoning, and quintessential salt and pepper. Allow the liquid constellation to simmer and meld for approximately ten minutes.
6. Marry the previously prepared pasta with the hearty protein-vegetable medley, gently folding ingredients to ensure comprehensive flavor distribution.
7. For those desiring an elegant finishing touch, delicately scatter freshly chopped parsley across the dish, transforming the rustic meal into a visually appealing presentation.

Notes

• Enhance protein texture by browning meat thoroughly before adding other ingredients, creating deeper flavor profiles and caramelization.
• Customize meat ratios by substituting ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier protein options without compromising taste.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium broth and reducing additional salt, making the dish more heart-friendly for those monitoring dietary intake.
• Boost nutritional value by incorporating extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach during the cooking process for added vitamins and minerals.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 594
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg