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Best American Goulash – ground beef and macaroni in a tomato based sauce with cheese. Hearty one pot 30 minute meal loaded with comfort!

closeup of best american goulash in pan

If you need an easy, comforting kid friendly meal that whips up in 30 minutes that‘s perfect for busy weeknights, this is it.

Everything cooks in one pot – even the pasta – and it’s packed with plenty of beef, elbow macaroni and delicious cheesy tomato broth.

With leveled up flavor, it’s an easy answer to what’s for dinner.

overhead view of best american goulash in a pan

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE:

  • Great weeknight meal – everything cooks in one pot – including the pasta (fewer dishes to wash!)
  • Goulash is an easy recipe – good for all home cooks made from simple ingredients from the grocery store.
  • Goulash reheats easily for a quick lunch.
  • It freezes well so you can double the recipe and save for another day.
  • This easy American Goulash is delicious, comfort food the whole family will love!
  • It’s a hearty meal perfect for colder months.

WHAT IS GOULASH? 

This is an American version of Goulash with a tomato-based sauce, completely different than Hungarian Goulash.

The is that authentic Hungarian Goulash usually starts with stew beef (instead of ground), carrots, green pepper, paprika and a dollop of sour cream.

WHAT’S IN AMERICAN GOULASH?

  • olive oil
  • onion
  • tomato paste
  • green pepper
  • lean ground beef
  • garlic cloves
  • can tomato sauce
  • can diced tomatoes
  • beef stock
  • worcestershire sauce
  • salt and black pepper
  • dry italian seasoning
  • elbow macaroni uncooked
  • shredded sharp cheddar cheese

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST AMERICAN GOULASH:

Add olive oil to a deep skillet or large dutch oven.

Drop in diced onion, bell pepper and ground beef. Season with salt and pepper and cook over medium to medium-high heat until beef is browned.

Add minced garlic and tomato paste Cook 1 more minute then drain any excess grease.

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste) and uncooked macaroni.

Bring to a boil over medium high heat then reduce heat to low and cook 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Taste and adjust for salt then eat right away with extra cheese on the table.

HOT TIPS AND VARIATIONS:

  • Try different kinds of ground meat like ground turkey or chicken.
  • Add a variety of vegetables: like zucchini, red bell pepper, corn or spinach.
  • Spicy: add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes for a kick!
  • Extra protein: blend in drained and rinsed kidney beans.
  • Add fresh herbs and spices: bay leaves or fresh basil.

HOW TO SAFELY STORE LEFTOVER AMERICAN GOULASH:

Cool Goulash completely then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave.

overhead view of best american goulash and shredded cheese on the side

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THE BEST AMERICAN GOULASH:

how to cook green beans - cooked beans shown in black bowl garnished with lemon slice
sliced of cheesy breadsticks garnished with parsley
closeup of antipasto salad in bowl

6 Minute Green Beans

Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

Antipasto Salad

Enjoy!

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Tried this Easy Goulash recipe? Leave a comment, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and TAG ME with a photo of yours on social media! @agoudalife or #agoudalife

closeup of best american goulash in pan

Best American Goulash

This is easiest the BEST American Goulash recipe from budget friendly ingredients: ground beef, elbow macaroni, canned tomato sauce for a delicious weeknight ONE POT meal in just 30 minutes.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories

Equipment

  • large skillet OR pot

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 cup green pepper diced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 15 ounce can diced tomatoes include juices
  • 1 1/2 cups beef stock
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoo salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons dry italian seasoning
  • 1 cup UNCOOKED elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions
 

  • Add olive oil to a deep skillet or large dutch oven. Drop in diced onion, bell pepper and ground beef. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook over medium to medium-high heat until beef is browned.
  • Add minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute then drain any excess grease.
  • Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef stock, worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning and UNCOOKED macaroni. Blend in 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste).
  • Bring to a boil over medium high heat then reduce heat to low and cook 10-12 minutes uncovered or until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
  • Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Taste and adjust for salt then eat right away.
Keyword best american goulash, american goulash, hungarian goulash, goulash, best goulash, one pot meal, 30 minute meal, easy weeknight meal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
5 from 1 vote

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