This Ultimate American Goulash is a comforting, one-pot meal that brings the whole family to the table. It’s a simple, hearty dish made with ground beef, macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce that’s perfect for any night of the week. This easy goulash recipe is pure comfort in a bowl.
My dad, James, showed his love through hearty meals, and his American Goulash was a Sunday staple. The savory aroma filling our home was his way of saying, “you are safe.” Every spoonful of this comforting dish takes me right back to his warm and loving kitchen.
Why This Recipe Warms My Heart
- One-Pot Meal: This entire dish comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup incredibly simple.
- Pantry Staples: Made with accessible ingredients like ground beef, canned tomatoes, and elbow macaroni.
- Family-Friendly: A mild, savory flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Great for Leftovers: The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
From My Pantry to Yours: The Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
My Trusted Kitchen Helper for This Dish
Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven
A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a deep skillet is my trusted friend for this one-pot goulash because it holds the heat so evenly, ensuring everything simmers together perfectly without scorching.
Bringing It All Together in a Single Pot
First, Building Our Foundation of Flavor
Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for 2–3 minutes until it softens and becomes fragrant. I always love this first step; the smell of sautéing onions is the beginning of something wonderful.
Next, a Whisper of Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds more. Be careful not to let it burn, you’re just looking for that lovely, aromatic scent to bloom.
Browning the Beef for Richness
Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned all over, breaking it apart with a spoon as you go. Ensuring the beef gets a nice brown crust is one of the secrets to building deeper flavor.
Bringing the Sauce to Life
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Give it all a good mix and bring the sauce to a gentle boil.
Stirring in the Comfort
Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir it well to combine everything. Reduce the heat to bring the mixture to a steady simmer. This is where the magic of a one-pot goulash happens, as the pasta will cook right in the sauce.
Letting the Magic Happen
Cover the skillet and let it cook for 12–15 minutes. It’s a good idea to stir it every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking. The goulash is ready when the macaroni is tender and has absorbed most of that delicious sauce.
A Final Rest to Deepen the Flavors
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit uncovered for about 5 minutes before serving. This little pause allows the sauce to thicken perfectly and the flavors to settle in. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
A Gentle Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. The values are calculated for a single serving.
A Few Wholesome Swaps
- Leaner Protein: Substitute the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: For added fiber, use whole-wheat elbow macaroni instead of traditional pasta.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini along with the onions.
How We Love to Serve It at Our Table
- With Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the rich tomato sauce.
- A Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a lovely, crisp contrast to the hearty goulash.
- Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top just before serving for a wonderfully melty finish.
My Tips for Perfect Goulash Every Time
- Not Browning the Beef Properly: Skipping the browning step for the ground beef will result in a less flavorful goulash. Take the time to get a good color on the meat, as this caramelization adds significant depth.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Since the macaroni cooks directly in the sauce, it can easily become mushy if cooked for too long. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Boiling Instead of Simmering: Cooking the goulash at too high a heat can make the meat tough and cause the sauce to burn at the bottom of the pan. A gentle, steady simmer is key.
Saving Some for Later
Leftover American Goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the microwave or gently on the stovetop. If it has thickened too much, a small splash of beef broth or water can help restore its original consistency.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This old-fashioned goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a piece of my heart and my history. It represents the warmth and comfort of family suppers and the simple joy of sharing good food. I hope that when you make this in your own kitchen, it fills your home with the same love and creates beautiful new memories for you and yours.
Answering Your Gentle Questions
What’s the difference between American Goulash and Hungarian Goulash?
American Goulash is a pasta-and-ground-beef dish with a tomato-based sauce, often cooked in one pot. Hungarian Goulash, on the other hand, is a slow-cooked stew of cubed meat, vegetables, and a broth heavily seasoned with paprika, and it doesn’t typically include pasta.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is classic for American Goulash, any small pasta shape like small shells, rotini, or ditalini will work just as well.
Can I freeze this goulash?
Yes, this beef goulash freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Ultimate American Goulash – Secrets how to build deeper flavor in one-pot
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ultimate American Goulash is a comforting, one-pot meal with ground beef, macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights. A hearty, flavorful classic that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking apart with a spoon.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni and stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until macaroni is tender.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute lean ground turkey and use whole-wheat pasta. Add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. Leftovers store well up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: american goulash, beef, pasta, one pot, comfort food