Classic American Goulash: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of classic American Goulash to bring the family together. This beloved one-pot meal, distinct from its Hungarian counterpart, has graced dinner tables for generations with its rich flavors and satisfying heartiness. Combining savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a vibrant, seasoned tomato sauce, it’s a dish that promises both ease of preparation and incredible taste. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, our old-fashioned goulash recipe delivers pure nostalgic comfort in every bite.
This recipe focuses on simplicity and robust flavor, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve a delicious result. We’ll guide you through each step, from browning the beef to simmering the sauce to perfection, and finally, incorporating the pasta and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Get ready to create a meal that’s not only incredibly satisfying but also leaves you with minimal cleanup. It’s truly the ultimate hearty one-pot dish that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Old-Fashioned American Goulash
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
- 1 small white onion, diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 tbs minced garlic (freshly minced offers the best flavor)
- ½ cup beef broth (adds depth to the sauce)
- 2 ½ cups water
- 30 oz tomato sauce (for a smooth, rich base)
- 30 oz diced tomatoes (undrained, for texture and tang)
- 2 bay leaves (remove before serving)
- 1 tbs Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 2 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni (for classic goulash texture)
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for a creamy finish, optional)
Instructions
- To begin, heat a large Dutch oven or a substantial pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook the beef thoroughly until it is nicely browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent the goulash from becoming oily. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor base.
- Next, add the diced white onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the beef broth, water, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir everything well to combine, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated. Add the bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finally, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer. Continue to cook, covered, for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking. Remember to stir frequently during this stage to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and creamy. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Dish out generous portions and enjoy this hearty, old-fashioned goulash!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. It may vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparations.
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
This American Goulash isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! Here are a few reasons why it’s consistently a family favorite:
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with ground beef and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, it’s incredibly filling and satisfying.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients, it’s a cost-effective way to feed a crowd.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your family’s tastes and what you have on hand. Add more vegetables, different spices, or switch up the cheese!
- Classic Comfort Food: It evokes nostalgic memories of home cooking and provides true comfort, especially on a chilly evening.
- Freezer-Friendly: Makes great leftovers and freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Tips for the Best American Goulash
To ensure your American goulash turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Don’t rush this step! A good sear on the ground beef develops a deeper, more savory flavor for the entire dish.
- Don’t Skimp on Draining Grease: If you’re using higher-fat ground beef, make sure to drain off most of the rendered fat. Too much grease can make the goulash oily and less appealing.
- Sauté Aromatics Gently: Cook the onions until translucent and the garlic until fragrant, but avoid burning them, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the sauce to simmer for the initial 20 minutes before adding pasta gives the flavors a chance to meld and deepen.
- Stir Frequently After Adding Pasta: Pasta absorbs liquid quickly and can stick to the bottom of the pot. Frequent stirring prevents this and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. Remember, the pasta will absorb some of the seasoning as it cooks.
- Cheese Choice: While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different twist.
- Pasta Doneness: Cook the pasta to al dente or slightly beyond, according to your preference. It will continue to soften slightly as it rests in the hot sauce.
Variations and Additions for Your One-Pot Goulash
This American goulash recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients:
- Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by stirring in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, corn, or peas during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
- Different Proteins: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter version. Just be sure to adjust cooking times and seasoning if needed.
- Alternative Pasta Shapes: While elbow macaroni is traditional, other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or rotini work wonderfully.
- Creamy Goulash: For an extra creamy finish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the shredded cheddar at the very end.
- Add a Touch of Sweetness: Some like to add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil, chopped and stirred in just before serving, can brighten the flavors.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
American Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed green beans or broccoli offer a healthy addition.
- Storage:
- Allow any leftover goulash to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating:
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger amounts on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce, as the pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits.
- Freezing:
- Goulash freezes beautifully! Place cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions About American Goulash
What is the difference between American Goulash and Hungarian Goulash?
American Goulash is a distinctly different dish from its Hungarian namesake. While Hungarian Goulash is a soup or stew featuring slow-cooked beef, paprika, and often served with noodles or dumplings, American Goulash is a one-pot pasta dish. It typically combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, emphasizing simplicity and hearty comfort rather than traditional Hungarian spices or preparation methods.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for American Goulash, you can easily substitute it with other small pasta shapes. Ditalini, small shells, rotini, or even penne (cut into smaller pieces if desired) would work well. Just ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the sauce and adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the pasta’s size and thickness.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, American Goulash is an excellent meal for freezing. Once cooled, portion the goulash into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if the sauce has become too thick.
How can I make this goulash spicier?
To add a kick to your goulash, consider incorporating some red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning during the simmering phase. You could also add a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for an extra layer of heat. Adjust the amount to your personal spice preference.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! This goulash recipe is very forgiving when it comes to adding extra vegetables. Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, peas, or corn can be stirred in during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. This not only boosts the nutritional content but also adds color and different textures to the dish. Sautéing mushrooms with the onions and garlic is another delicious option.
What kind of beef broth should I use?
For the best flavor, use a good quality beef broth or stock. Low-sodium varieties are often preferred, allowing you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. If you don’t have beef broth, vegetable broth can be a suitable substitute, though it may result in a slightly different flavor profile.