Here’s a classic, comforting American Goulash recipe — hearty, cheesy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. 🇺🇸🍲
American Goulash Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the beef
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add aromatics
- Stir in onions and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add tomatoes & seasonings
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Simmer 5–10 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Cook the pasta
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce.
- Pour in 2 cups water or beef broth.
- Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Add cheese
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot
- Optional: sprinkle extra cheese on top or garnish with parsley.
Tips
- Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
This version is quick, simple, and very American-style — much milder and cheesier than traditional Hungarian goulash.
If you want, I can also give a slow cooker version that lets it simmer all day for even deeper flavor.
Do you want me to do that?
