American Goulash Recipe:- An easy and hearty dinner can be prepared by cooking a few simple items in a single pot. These components include ground beef (hamburger meat), canned tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and onions.
It has a zesty flavor that is packed to the brim, and it is the ideal way to feed a few people on a budget! It is recommended to serve it with some cornbread or handmade biscuits, which may be used to soak up the sauce that is located at the bottom of the bowl.
American Goulash Recipe
There is a significant difference between goulash in the United States and goulash in other regions of the world. In the same way that many foods with the same name, such as dumplings, are prepared differently, the ingredients and the method are also diverse.
Ingredients
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- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups marinara or tomato-based pasta sauce, approx. ½ of a 26 oz jar
- 1 ¾ cups beef broth or water or as needed
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 green bell pepper diced, optional
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaves 2 if they are small
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- salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 ¼ cups elbow macaroni noodles uncooked
- ½ cup cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded, optional
Instructions
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In a large skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
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Add water, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, green peppers (if using), seasonings, & bay leaves. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
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Add in the elbow macaroni and continue to simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender (about 20 minutes).
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Remove & discard bay leaves. Top with cheese if using and replace the lid. Let rest about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Why We Love This Dish
- American goulash uses a few simple inexpensive ingredients, it’s a great way to feed a crowd.
- It needs only one pot which means less mess and fewer dishes to wash!
- It’s really easy to make and great for beginners, it’s cozy and tastes great!
- This recipe can be stretched to feed a bigger crowd by adding extra pasta and sauce.
- Double up the batch or freeze leftovers for future meals.
Goulash Ingredients
GROUND BEEF:Ground beef, also known as hamburger meat, serves as the foundation of this dish and contributes a great deal of taste. If you want to add even more flavor, you can substitute Italian sausage for the beef.
ELBOW MACARONI: Put any pasta you have on hand to use! Bowties, ditalini, tiny shells, and elbows are all excellent options for this.
SAUCE: Tomato sauce is a rich and tangy component of goulash. You can use your preferred canned spaghetti or marinara sauce, coupled with a can of tomatoes (and juice!). In order to cook the pasta, we use water; however, you can substitute beef broth for the water.
Tomato paste and Italian seasoning are added to the sauce in order to give it an additional boost of flavor.
Variations
- Add some shredded carrots or red bell peppers for a bit of sweetness in the zesty sauce. Diced celery is great in this recipe too.
- Stir in some Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Stretch out the meal with extra pasta (and water) or a can of drained kidney beans (or your favorite kind of beans).
- Top it with cheese if desired.
How to Make Goulash
It’s literally as easy as 1,2,3.
- Brown beef, onion, & garlic in a large pot or dutch oven.
- Add remaining ingredients except for pasta. Cover and simmer 15 minutes to thicken.
- Add pasta and simmer until tender.
Serve goulash with bread, or dinner rolls for dipping and dunking.
Leftovers?
The leftover American goulash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days if it is stored in a container that is covered. Prior to serving, reheat the dish on the stove. You can freeze frozen portions for up to four weeks by placing them in zipped bags and labeling the outside of the bag with the date. Before reheating, allow the food to defrost in the refrigerator.
Notes
This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd (serving sizes can be adjusted in the print screen).
For heartier appetites, the meal can be stretched with additional pasta (and water/broth), canned beans or chopped vegetables. (diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, corn, or additional bell peppers). Any ground meat can be substituted for beef.
Start with the amount of broth/water as listed and add extra if needed (depending on pasta shape). The goulash will thicken as it cools and rests. Depending on the size and shape of your pan, you may need to add a little bit more liquid. Keep an eye on the dish as it cooks and add more liquid as needed. The mixture will thicken slightly as it cools.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.