American Goulash
A hearty one-pot meal packed with savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. This classic American comfort food is perfect for a weeknight family dinner and comes together in under an hour.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned.
- d.Carefully drain off any excess grease from the pot.
- e.Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the beef. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
- f.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Sauce and Simmer
- b.Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and undrained diced tomatoes. Use a spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- c.Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar (if using), bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- d.Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- e.Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Macaroni
- b.Uncover the pot and stir in the dry elbow macaroni.
- c.Press the macaroni down with your spoon to ensure it is fully submerged in the simmering liquid.
- d.Replace the cover and continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to al dente. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully find and discard the bay leaf.
- c.Let the goulash rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- d.Serve hot in bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork or Italian sausage.
- 2Don't overcook the pasta. It will continue to absorb liquid and soften as it sits, so al dente is perfect.
- 3If the goulash is too thick for your liking, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- 4This dish is excellent for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors improve overnight.
- 5Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or chopped carrots along with the bell pepper.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Goulash
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño along with the garlic for a spicy kick.
Creamy GoulashCreamy Goulash
Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or heavy cream at the very end (after removing from heat) for a richer, creamier sauce.
Veggie LoadedVeggie-Loaded
Incorporate 1 cup of frozen corn or peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also add a cup of chopped mushrooms or zucchini with the onions.
Cheesy GoulashCheesy Goulash
Instead of just topping with cheese, stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella directly into the pot after the pasta is cooked until it's melted and gooey.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The ground beef provides high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are a fantastic source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases. Cooking tomatoes, as in this sauce, makes the lycopene more available for your body to absorb.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the macaroni provide a steady source of energy, making this a satisfying and filling meal that can power you through your day.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5-cup serving of this American Goulash contains approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the leanness of the ground beef and whether you add cheese.