American Goulash Recipe

Looking for an easy, family-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor and comes together in one pot? American Goulash is the perfect answer! This dish is a warm, comforting combination of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, all seasoned with simple spices. Unlike Hungarian goulash, which features chunks of beef and a paprika-based sauce, American Goulash is more like a pasta dish, and it’s a weeknight favorite across the United States. Ready for some hearty, nostalgic comfort food? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

this Recipe

What Is American Goulash?

American Goulash, sometimes called American Chop Suey, is a simple, one-pot dish made with ground beef, pasta (typically elbow macaroni), and a tomato-based sauce. It’s often flavored with garlic, onions, and a variety of spices. Unlike the more traditional Hungarian goulash, which is a stew made with paprika, potatoes, and beef, the American version focuses on pasta and ground beef, making it quicker and more suitable for a weeknight meal. It’s a budget-friendly recipe that’s filling, tasty, and easy to customize with different ingredients.

Ingredients List for American Goulash

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic, crowd-pleasing dish:

For the Goulash:

1. Ground Beef – 1 lb of lean ground beef.
2. Onion – 1 medium onion, diced.
3. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced.
4. Bell Pepper – 1 large bell pepper, diced (any color, but green or red is traditional).
5. Tomato Sauce – 2 cups of tomato sauce (or one 15 oz can).
6. Diced Tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, with their juice.
7. Beef Broth – 2 cups of beef broth for added flavor (you can substitute water if you don’t have broth).
8. Elbow Macaroni – 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni (you can use any small pasta if you prefer).
9. Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon for depth of flavor.
10. Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon for umami flavor (optional).
11. Bay Leaves – 2 dried bay leaves for extra depth in the sauce.
12. Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme).
13. Paprika – 1 teaspoon of paprika for a slight smoky flavor (optional but recommended).
14. Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
15. Shredded Cheese – 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional, for serving).

For Garnish (Optional):

1. Fresh Parsley – Chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
2. Grated Parmesan – For a cheesy, salty kick.
3. Hot Sauce – For those who like a little heat.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is a classic, it’s incredibly versatile, so feel free to tweak it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Ground Meat Alternatives: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version. You can also use a plant-based ground meat substitute to make it vegetarian.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add canned beans for protein.
• Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to give the dish some heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make American Goulash in just a few easy steps. It’s a simple, one-pot dish that comes together in under 40 minutes.

1. Brown the Ground Beef:

1. Heat a Pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.

2. Add the Vegetables:

1. Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onion is translucent.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce:

1. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), Italian seasoning, paprika, bay leaves, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
2. Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or water) and stir well.

4. Add the Pasta:

1. Simmer with Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and let the goulash simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened.
2. Check for Seasoning: Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Worcestershire sauce if needed.

5. Serve:

1. Remove Bay Leaves: Discard the bay leaves before serving.
2. Garnish and Serve: Serve the goulash hot, topped with shredded cheese, chopped parsley, or grated Parmesan if desired.

How to Cook American Goulash: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to make this delicious dish:

1. Brown the Beef: Cook the ground beef until browned.
2. Sauté the Veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Build the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, seasonings, and pasta.
4. Simmer: Let everything simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens.
5. Serve Hot: Serve with optional toppings like cheese, parsley, or Parmesan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Since the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, which can lead to mushy pasta.
• Too Much Liquid: Be mindful of the liquid in the dish. The pasta will absorb the broth as it cooks, but you don’t want the dish to be too soupy. Add the liquid gradually if necessary.
• Undercooking the Veggies: Make sure to sauté the onions and bell peppers long enough to soften them before adding the tomatoes and broth for the best texture and flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Although American Goulash is a rustic, comforting dish, you can still elevate its presentation. Here are a few tips:

• Serve in Bowls: Ladle the goulash into wide, shallow bowls for easy eating.
• Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top for extra creaminess and melty goodness.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds color and a burst of freshness.

How to Serve American Goulash

American Goulash is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can serve it with a few sides to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread or buttered toast is perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the goulash.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted zucchini, carrots, or broccoli for extra vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for American Goulash

• Family-Style: Serve the goulash directly from the pot for a casual, family-style meal.
• Colorful Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley, basil, or grated Parmesan for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Individual Portions: Serve individual portions topped with cheese and garnishes, offering a homey yet visually appealing presentation.

American Goulash Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can make it ahead and reheat it for easy meals throughout the week.
• Freeze It: American Goulash freezes beautifully. Simply cool the goulash completely, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Leftover Tip: Leftovers can be reheated in a pot on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the goulash thickens too much when reheated, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies before transferring everything (except the pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells.

Q: Can I freeze American Goulash?
A: Yes! American Goulash freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot on the stove or in the microwave.

Q: How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
A: Cook the pasta just until al dente, or slightly underdone, since it will continue to cook in the residual heat. Be sure to keep an eye on it as it simmers.

Conclusion

American Goulash is a comforting, budget-friendly, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Its combination of hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce makes it a go-to recipe for families everywhere. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with different vegetables, spices, or cheeses. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or storing leftovers for later, American Goulash is sure to become a family favorite in your home. So grab a pot, cook up a batch, and enjoy this delicious one-pot wonder!

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