Here’s a classic, hearty recipe for American Goulash—a simple, comforting one-pot meal full of pasta, beef, and tomato goodness.
🍲 American Goulash
🧾 Ingredients (6 servings)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot
- Add ground beef and diced onion, cook until beef is browned and onion is soft
- Drain excess fat
- Add garlic and seasonings
- Stir in garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant
- Add tomatoes and broth
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth
- Bring to a gentle boil
- Cook pasta in the sauce
- Stir in uncooked macaroni
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Cook until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened
- Add cheese (optional)
- Stir in shredded cheddar or sprinkle on top before serving
✨ Tips
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra veggies
- For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese at the end
💡 Why It’s Popular
- One-pot meal = easy cleanup
- Comforting, filling, and kid-friendly
- Can be made ahead and reheated easily
If you want, I can make a slow-cooker version of American goulash that’s even simpler and perfect for busy weeknights.