American Goulash is one of those simple, comforting meals that always brings back memories. It’s the kind of dinner that shows up on busy weeknights, feeds a hungry family, and somehow tastes even better the next day. Made with ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, this easy one-pot recipe is a classic for a reason.
If you love easy, comforting dinners like this American goulash, you’ll also enjoy some of our classic family favorites. From hearty casseroles to simple one-pot meals like this creamy Italian sausage pasta, to Mom’s Salisbury steak recipe, or this slow cooker sloppy joe recipe – these recipes are perfect for busy weeknights and nostalgic home cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot = easy cleanup
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Classic comfort food everyone loves
- Perfect for leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp minced garlic)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
How to Make American Goulash
In a large Dutch oven, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is no longer pink and onions are tender.
Drain excess grease.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
Bring to a boil.
Stir in elbow macaroni.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
Remove from heat and top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
What to Serve with Goulash
- Buttered bread or dinner rolls
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Cornbread
Variations
- Add bell peppers for extra flavor
- Use ground turkey instead of beef
- Stir in a little cream cheese for a creamy version
- Add paprika for a more traditional goulash flavor
- Use different pasta shapes if needed
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats really well and tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze American goulash?
Yes, but pasta may soften slightly after thawing.
Can I use cooked pasta instead?
You can, just reduce the liquid slightly and stir it in at the end.
Why is my goulash too thick?
Add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Storage
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Reheat on stovetop or microwave
- Add a little liquid when reheating if needed
Serving Size
Serves: 4–6
Easy American Goulash Recipe (One-Pot Comfort Food)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained 14.5 oz.
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1&1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is no longer pink and onions are tender.
- Drain excess grease.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Bring to a boil.
- Stir in elbow macaroni.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat and top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- Add cheese at the end or on individual servings
