American Goulash 🍝🥩
American goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort dish made with ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, often seasoned with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, it’s simpler, quicker, and popular as a family-friendly meal in the U.S.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the beef
In a large skillet or pot, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened. - Add liquids and seasonings
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer. - Cook the pasta
Add uncooked pasta, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. - Finish with cheese
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serving Ideas 🍽️
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
- Pair with garlic bread or a side salad
- Great as leftovers—flavors meld even more the next day
💡 Tip:
- For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing onions.
- You can also make a slow cooker version: cook beef and vegetables first, then add tomatoes and pasta near the end.
I can provide a creamy American goulash version with a cheesy tomato sauce if you want a richer, indulgent twist.
