American Goulash Recipe
There’s something oddly comforting about the scent of onions sizzling in a skillet at the end of a long day. Toss in some garlic, ground beef, and a splash of tomato sauce, and suddenly you’ve got the beginnings of a warm, hearty bowl of American Goulash. This classic one-pot dish is rich, savory, and surprisingly quick to whip up just the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s no wonder American Goulash has been a staple in so many households for generations.
I still remember the first time I made this dish on my own. I had just moved into my first apartment, still learning how to cook something more complex than scrambled eggs. My mom sent me her version of this goulash in an email titled “The Easiest Dinner Ever.” And she wasn’t wrong. The smell of the simmering tomatoes reminded me of home, and every bite tasted like the kitchen I grew up in. Over time, I added my own twists, but that first pot of goulash will always be a milestone moment in my little culinary journey.
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American Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy American Goulash recipe is a one-pot wonder made with pantry staples. It combines ground beef, elbow noodles, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all cooked together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and comforting family meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 8 shakes gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (~1/2 Tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon + extra dash homemade seasoned salt
- pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup gluten-free elbow noodles, uncooked
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef, shallot or onion, and garlic. Break up the beef as it cooks, seasoning with Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and pepper. Brown the beef. Drain if necessary, then return beef mixture to the skillet.
- Add the remaining teaspoon of seasoned salt, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Increase heat to bring to a simmer, then lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in elbow noodles, and simmer for another 12-14 minutes, stirring often, until noodles are tender. Adjust heat to maintain a gentle simmer towards the end. Remove the bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add shredded cheese to each serving.
- To make it creamy, stir in some sour cream at the end of cooking.
- For a pizza-inspired version, add shredded mozzarella cheese and garnish with diced pepperoni or other pizza toppings.
- To sneak in more veggies, add frozen riced cauliflower or minced mushrooms when browning the beef.
- This dish can be made ahead by freezing the sauce without the noodles. When ready to serve, thaw the sauce and add noodles to cook.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 437 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1525 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: American Goulash, easy goulash recipe, one-pot meal, family dinner, quick dinner, gluten-free goulash
Why You’ll Love This American Goulash
- It’s easy to make: Minimal steps and quick cooking time.
- It’s versatile: Add veggies, cheese, or spices to make it your own.
- It’s family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- It’s budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and stretches a pound of ground beef.
- It’s perfect for leftovers: Great for meal prep or freezing (without noodles).
Step-by-Step Guide to Making American Goulash
Step 1: Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion (or shallot), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 shakes gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (~1/2 tbsp)
- 1 tsp homemade seasoned salt, plus extra to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup gluten-free elbow noodles (uncooked)
Step 2: Equipment Needed
To cook this dish, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for browning the meat and simmering the dish. Choose one with high sides to prevent splattering.
- Wooden Spoon: Helps break up the beef while cooking and stir everything evenly.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate seasoning and liquid ratios.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping onions and garlic efficiently.
Step 3: Cooking
Follow these steps to create a delicious pot of Old-Fashioned Goulash:
- Heat the skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Break up the beef with a spoon while cooking until browned.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- Drain the beef if necessary, then return to the skillet.
- Add broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in elbow macaroni and simmer for another 12–14 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Remove bay leaf and taste. Add more seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
If you enjoy meals that come together quickly, this flavorful 30-minute creamy tomato gnocchi is another satisfying one-pot idea worth bookmarking.
Step 4: Assembly
When your goulash is ready, spoon it into bowls.
Looking for another savory option for dinner this week? You’ll love this rich and cheesy cheddar and bacon turkey melt on sourdough.
- Top with cheese if desired.
- Garnish with parsley or extra black pepper.
- Pair with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing American Goulash
- Overcooking the noodles: This makes them mushy. Stir often and simmer gently.
- Skipping the seasoning: Layered flavors are key to rich taste.
- Using the wrong pot: Too small, and your ingredients won’t cook evenly.
- Not draining fat (if needed): Too much grease can make the dish heavy.
- Freezing with noodles: Gluten-free pasta doesn’t freeze well; freeze the sauce only.
Tips for Making the Best American Goulash
- Use lean ground beef to avoid greasy results.
- Add cheese at the end for creamy richness.
- Switch up the meat by using ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Sneak in veggies like riced cauliflower or chopped mushrooms.
- Make it spicy with chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
FAQs About American Goulash
It’s made of ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, and seasonings like Italian herbs and Worcestershire sauce.
Hungarian Goulash is a slow-cooked stew with chunks of beef, paprika, and vegetables. American Goulash is quicker, made with ground beef and pasta in a tomato-based sauce.
They’re similar, but beefaroni usually has a simpler sauce and fewer spices. Goulash often includes extra herbs and sometimes cheese.
Use ground turkey instead of beef, add more vegetables, and use whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
Yes, but freeze the sauce without the noodles for best texture when reheated.
Try garlic butter mushrooms, kale salad, gluten-free biscuits, or a simple cucumber tomato salad. For something sweet to finish the meal, these fluffy and soft vanilla pan de mallorca rolls are a dreamy treat.
Conclusion
American Goulash is a timeless, hearty dish that combines pantry staples into something truly special. Its simple preparation, rich flavors, and flexibility make it a winner for weeknights, family dinners, or even a cozy Sunday supper.
Ready to try it out? Let us know in the comments how your version turns out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who love comforting, budget-friendly meals. ❤️
