American Goulash (Best Ever, Easy, One-Pot)

This American Goulash is cozy, hearty, and budget-friendly—in the best way. It’s a one-pot dinner with tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce that tastes like classic comfort food. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone grab a bowl and settle in.

Introduction

If you grew up on goulash nights, you already know how comforting it is. American Goulash is a reader favorite because it’s simple, fills a crowd, and tastes even better the next day. It’s also perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.

The standout trick is simmering the sauce for a few minutes before adding pasta. That deepens the flavor and helps the noodles cook in a rich, seasoned base. Once you try this American Goulash, you’ll keep it in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This American Goulash

• One-pot cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
• Budget-friendly: Pasta and pantry staples make a lot of servings.
• Ultimate comfort food: Cozy tomato-beef pasta that’s always satisfying.
• Family-friendly: Mild flavors and cheesy topping options.
• Meal prep friendly: Leftovers are even better.

Ingredients for American Goulash

Base

• Ground beef (1 lb): Adds hearty flavor.
• Swap: Ground turkey.
• Onion, diced (1 small): Builds flavor.
• Bell pepper, diced (1 cup): Adds sweetness and color.
• Swap: Omit if you want it simpler.
• Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Cozy savory depth.

Sauce

• Diced tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz): Adds texture.
• Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Rich tomato base.
• Low-sodium beef broth (2 cups): Helps cook pasta and builds flavor.
• Swap: Low-sodium chicken broth.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Warm, cozy flavor.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Herby balance.
• Salt (1 tsp) + black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adjust to taste.

Pasta

• Elbow macaroni (2 cups): Classic goulash noodle.
• Swap: Small shells.

Optional Finish

• Shredded cheddar (1 1/2 cups): Melty topping.
• Chopped parsley (2 tbsp): Fresh finish.

How to Make American Goulash

• 1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat for 6–8 minutes. Add onion and bell pepper and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
• 2. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
• 3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5 minutes.
• 4. Stir in macaroni. Simmer uncovered for 12–14 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
• 5. Lower heat and stir in cheddar until melted, or sprinkle cheddar on top and cover for 2 minutes.
• 6. Taste and adjust seasoning. If it looks too thick, add a splash of broth.

Tips for Perfect American Goulash

• Stir often: Pasta can stick as it cooks in the sauce.
• Simmer gently: Hard boiling can make pasta mushy.
• Add broth as needed: Sauce thickens as it sits.
• Season at the end: Tomatoes and broths vary.
• Rest 5 minutes: Thickens and tastes even better.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy version: Add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Extra veggie: Add shredded zucchini (sauté first) or spinach at the end.
• Cheesy bake: Pour into a dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free macaroni and watch cook time.
• Leftover idea: Spoon into bowls and top with sour cream.

Storing & Reheating

Store American Goulash in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on low with a splash of broth.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

• Serve with a simple salad and garlic bread.
• Pair with steamed green beans for balance.
• Great for potlucks and family dinners.
• Perfect meal prep lunches.

Reader Review: “This goulash is exactly like my childhood favorite—so cozy, easy, and the leftovers are even better!”

If you make this American Goulash, leave a rating and comment! Are you adding cheese on top, or keeping it classic?

American Goulash (Best Ever, Easy, One-Pot)

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Donald Anderson
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 35 minutes 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

American goulash is a one-pot, budget-friendly classic—beefy tomato pasta with cozy, simple seasoning.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni

• 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown beef with onion 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic 30 seconds.

2. Stir in paprika, seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Add broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes; bring to a simmer.

4. Stir in macaroni. Simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender.

5. Stir in cheddar (optional) and serve.

Notes

• Add veggies: Stir in 1 cup frozen corn or peas.

• Storage: Thickens as it sits—add broth when reheating.

• Tools: Large pot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One Pot
• Cuisine: American