American Goulash is a classic comfort food in the U.S., quite different from traditional Hungarian goulash. It’s a one-pot dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and a mild tomato-based sauce, often seasoned with onions, garlic, and paprika. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners.
Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Cook the beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. - Sauté vegetables:
Add onion and garlic to the beef and cook until soft and fragrant. - Add tomatoes and seasoning:
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. - Cook the pasta:
Add uncooked macaroni and beef broth (or water). Stir, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens. - Serve:
Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Serve hot.
💡 Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add green bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Some families like to make it “soupy,” while others prefer a thick, casserole-like consistency.
If you want, I can give a faster stovetop version that takes about 20 minutes and still tastes great.
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