American Goulash Recipe

This homemade American goulash is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce in one single pan. It is an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal that fits within your budget and minimizes cleanup time. By cooking the noodles directly in the aromatic broth, every bite absorbs the depth of the seasonings for a truly cohesive flavor experience.

List of ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 blend)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1, 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1, 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 Cups beef broth
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Cup UNCOOKED elbow macaroni

step-by-step instructions

1. Step: In a large skillet (or pot) over medium-high heat sauté the onion and bell pepper with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until the onion begins to soften and brown (about 3-5 minutes).
2. Step: Add the beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks, and cook until no pink remains and the vegetables are softened (about 5-7 minutes). Turn off the heat and remove any excess fat/liquid from the pan.
3. Step: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant (approximately 30-seconds to 1 minute).
4. Step: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and bay leaf and stir to combine. Cover and bring to a simmer.
5. Step: Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles.
6. Step: Continue to simmer, stirring often, until the noodles are tender (about 8-12 minutes, this will vary depending on the pasta used). Add more broth, as needed.
7. Step: Remove from heat, leaving the pan covered for about 3 minutes (the goulash will thicken as it cools).
8. Step: Remove the bay leaf.
9. Step: If adding the optional shredded cheddar to the recipe, stir in just before serving.
10. Step: Add optional toppings and enjoy!

Practical Cooking Tips

Maintaining Consistent Texture

When cooking pasta directly in your sauce, the starch released by the noodles acts as a natural thickener. It is essential to stir the pot every few minutes to ensure uniform cooking and to prevent the bottom layer from scorching. Keep extra beef broth or water nearby, as different pasta shapes absorb liquid at varying rates depending on their thickness.

Achieving the Ideal Browning

The flavor profile of your goulash relies heavily on the initial sear of the ground beef and vegetables. Avoid overcrowding the pan during this stage, as this can cause the ingredients to steam rather than brown. Allowing the onions and beef to develop a deep, rich color creates a layer of flavor that defines the entire dish.

Substitutions and Adjustments

Alternative Ground Proteins

If you prefer to move away from beef, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken or turkey. Since these lighter proteins are much leaner, you may need to add an extra half-tablespoon of olive oil to the pan when sautéing the onions. The flavor remains excellent, though the overall richness of the sauce will be slightly more delicate compared to the beef version.

Adding Nutritional Depth

You can seamlessly integrate more vegetables into this meal without compromising the classic structure. Finely chopped carrots or celery sautéed with the onions provide a subtle sweetness. Additionally, tossing in two handfuls of fresh baby spinach during the final minute of cooking adds a boost of color and nutrients that wilts instantly in the residual heat.

Adapting for Gluten Sensitivity

Switching to a gluten-free pasta is a straightforward modification for this recipe. If you choose this path, be mindful that gluten-free varieties often require a slightly shorter cooking time and can become mushy faster than traditional wheat pasta. Monitor the noodles closely during the final minutes of simmering to ensure they remain firm.

Serving Suggestions

Balancing the Meal

Because this dish is dense and satisfying, pairing it with something lighter creates a perfect balance on the plate. A crisp green salad featuring a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory, tomato-rich goulash. Alternatively, steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon juice can round out the plate effectively.

Enhancing the Comfort Factor

For those who love to soak up every drop of the thick tomato sauce, serving a slice of warm, crusty bread is highly recommended. Toasted garlic bread or a soft dinner roll adds another layer of texture that pairs beautifully with the tender pasta. If you have the time, a piece of warm cornbread also complements the rustic, hearty nature of this traditional meal.

Storage and Reheating

Proper Refrigeration

If you have leftovers, allow the goulash to cool down completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in your refrigerator for up to four days. Note that the pasta will continue to absorb sauce while stored, so it may appear thicker the next day.

Freezing for Future Use

Goulash is an excellent candidate for batch cooking and freezing. Divide the cooled meal into freezer-safe containers, ensuring you leave a small amount of headspace to allow for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months without losing significant quality. Thaw the container in the refrigerator overnight before warming it on the stovetop.

Methods for Reheating

When reheating, add a small splash of beef broth to the pan to revive the consistency of the sauce. Reheat over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to ensure the heat penetrates evenly. If using the microwave, heat in 60-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each burst to eliminate any cold pockets in the center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, you can swap the elbow macaroni for any short pasta shape. Options like penne, rotelle, or cavatappi work exceptionally well because they are designed to trap the thick sauce and bits of ground beef in their crevices.

What is the benefit of letting the pan sit covered after cooking?

The resting period allows the starch in the pasta to fully stabilize and the sauce to thicken to its final, velvety consistency. It also ensures that the seasoning profile has a moment to settle, resulting in a more uniform flavor throughout every serving.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To introduce a gentle heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder when you add your dried herbs. You can also dice a fresh jalapeño and sauté it alongside the onions and green peppers for a more vibrant, fresh heat that cuts through the richness of the tomato sauce.

American Goulash Recipe

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• Author: alyssabennett
• Total Time: PT30M
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: High Protein

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Description

Our American goulash recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner recipe that’s hearty and budget-friendly!

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Ingredients

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• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 blend)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1, 15-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1, 15-ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 Cups beef broth
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 Cup UNCOOKED elbow macaroni

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Instructions

1. Step: In a large skillet (or pot) over medium-high heat sauté the onion and bell pepper with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until the onion begins to soften and brown (about 3-5 minutes).
2. Step: Add the beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks, and cook until no pink remains and the vegetables are softened (about 5-7 minutes). Turn off the heat and remove any excess fat/liquid from the pan.
3. Step: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant (approximately 30-seconds to 1 minute).
4. Step: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and bay leaf and stir to combine. Cover and bring to a simmer.
5. Step: Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles.
6. Step: Continue to simmer, stirring often, until the noodles are tender (about 8-12 minutes, this will vary depending on the pasta used). Add more broth, as needed.
7. Step: Remove from heat, leaving the pan covered for about 3 minutes (the goulash will thicken as it cools).
8. Step: Remove the bay leaf.
9. Step: If adding the optional shredded cheddar to the recipe, stir in just before serving.
10. Step: Add optional toppings and enjoy!

Notes

Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Variations include using ground turkey, adding spinach or mushrooms, or using different short pasta shapes.

• Prep Time: PT5M
• Cook Time: PT25M
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 452 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 1405 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 74 mg