American Goulash Recipe (2024)

This easy American Goulash recipe is full of hearty ingredients that will warm you from the inside out.

While goulash can vary, this version uses ground beef, canned tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and onions to make a hearty one pot meal.

It’s packed with zesty flavor and the perfect way to feed a crowd on a budget.

American Goulash Recipe (1)

Goulash Around The Globe

American Goulash is not the same thing as goulash in other parts of the world.

The difference between Hungarian and American Goulash:

Hungarian Goulash is a beef and onion soup seasoned with Hungarian paprika and sometimes containing potatoes and/or carrots (often made without vegetables).

American Goulash is old-fashioned goodness. It’s a simple dish with ground beef and elbow macaroni in tomato sauce. This American comfort food is also called “slumgullion”, Hamburger Goulash, or “American chop suey” among other names!

American Goulash Recipe (2)

Goulash is a Childhood Favorite!

  • American goulash uses simple ingredients, and it’s budget-friendly.
  • This recipe can be stretched to feed a crowd by adding extra pasta and sauce.
  • It needs only one pot which means less mess and fewer dishes to wash!
  • Double up the batch or freeze leftoversfor future meals.
American Goulash Recipe (3)

Goulash Ingredients

Ground Beef—Ground beef (or hamburger meat) is browned as the base of this meal, and it’s okay if you use a little bit more or less than called for. You can substitute Italian sausage or use ground turkey if you’d like.

Elbow Macaroni – I use elbows but any small pasta will work. Try small shells, bowties, or ditalini all work well.

Sauce – This goulash recipe has a rich zesty tomato sauce. Use favorite jarred pasta or marinara sauce combined with a can of tomatoes. We add water to cook the pasta but you can use beef broth in place. The sauce is seasoned with tomato paste and Italian Seasoning.

Variations

  • Diced celery or red bell pepper can be added to the meat sauce.
  • Stir in some Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
  • Stretch the meal with extra pasta (and water) or a can of drained beans.
  • Stir in some Parmesan cheese, or top it with cheddar cheese or sour cream for serving if desired.
American Goulash Recipe (4)

How to Make Goulash

This easy goulash recipe comes together in just one pot.

  1. Brown beef, onion, & garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Add remaining ingredients except for pasta. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes to thicken.
  3. Add pasta and simmer until tender.

Serve goulash with bread or dinner rolls for dipping and dunking.

American Goulash Recipe (5)

Leftovers?

Fridge: Leftover American goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezer: Freeze chilled portions in zippered bags with the date labeled on the outside for up to 4 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.

American Goulash Recipe (6)

Did your family love this American Goulash? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

American Goulash Recipe (7)

4.97 from 670 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

American Goulash

Goulash is a simple skillet dinner with tomatoes, beef, and macaroni noodles in a zesty tomato sauce. It's a perfect comfort food on a budget!

Save

ReviewPrint

American Goulash Recipe (8)

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

American Goulash Recipe (10)

Author Holly Nilsson

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato-based pasta sauce, approx. ½ of a 26 oz jar
  • 2 cups beef broth or water (more as needed)
  • 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes undrained
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 green bell pepper diced, optional
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf 2 if they are small
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni noodles uncooked, about 8 oz
  • ½ cup cheddar or mozzarella cheese, shredded, optional

Instructions

  • In a large skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.

  • Add the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, & bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  • Add the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

  • Remove & discard the bay leaf. Top with cheese if using, and replace the lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese is melted.

Video

Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a crowd (serving sizes can be adjusted in the print screen).

For heartier appetites, the meal can be stretched with additional pasta (and water/broth), canned beans or chopped vegetables. (diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, corn, or additional bell peppers). Any ground meat can be substituted for beef.

Start with the amount of broth/water as listed and add extra if needed (depending on pasta shape). The goulash will thicken as it cools and rests. Depending on the size and shape of your pan, you may need to add a little bit more liquid. Keep an eye on the dish as it cooks, and add more liquid as needed. The mixture will thicken slightly as it cools.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

4.97 from 670 votes

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 217 | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 562mg | Potassium: 812mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 587IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

American Goulash Recipe (11) Course Beef, Dinner, Main Course, Pasta

American Goulash Recipe (12) Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

American Goulash Recipe (13)
American Goulash Recipe (14)
American Goulash Recipe (15)
American Goulash Recipe (16)

More Favorite Cozy Meals

  • CrockPot Goulash – super easy to make
  • Chicken Parmesan Casserole – quick take on an Italian favorite
  • Classic Stuffed Shells – filled with cheese and baked until bubbly
  • Baked Rigatoni Pasta – easy family favorite
  • Easy Lasagna – made in just one pot

Categories:

Ground Beef, Main Dishes, Pasta and Pizza Recipes

Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!

Follow us on Pinterest

American Goulash Recipe (17)

Recipes you'll love

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker

Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole

Casseroles

Easy Homemade Lasagna

Pasta and Pizza Recipes

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad

Cabbage and Noodles

Pasta and Pizza Recipes

Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings

Main Dishes

About the author

Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
See more posts by Holly

Follow Holly on social media:

pinterest facebook twitter instagram

American Goulash Recipe (25)

Free eBook!

Subscribe to receive weekly recipes and get a FREE Bonus e-book: Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals!

You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of emails you receive.

Latest & Greatest

Baked Mac and Cheese

Pasta and Pizza Recipes

Homemade Chicken Spaghetti

Pasta and Pizza Recipes

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Pasta and Pizza Recipes

Reuben Pizza

Pasta and Pizza Recipes

Reuben Noodle Casserole

Casseroles

Stuffed Shells Recipe

Pasta and Pizza Recipes

American Goulash Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is American Goulash made of? ›

American goulash
Alternative namesGoulash, slumgullion
TypeCasserole
Place of originUnited States
Region or stateMidwestern United States, Inland Northwest
Main ingredientsBeef or steak, paprika, pasta, tomatoes
2 more rows

How long is American Goulash good for in the fridge? ›

Store leftover American goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. I find the best way to ensure the noodles don't overcook when reheating is to warm in the microwave, vs reheating in a pot on the stove.

How many cups is a serving of goulash? ›

The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

What is the difference between goulash and American Goulash? ›

There are two kinds of goulash: Hungarian goulash, which calls for the slow-simmered beef to be served alongside egg noodles, and American goulash, which pulls in ground beef and cooks the noodles in the pot alongside the sauce.

Are beefaroni and goulash the same thing? ›

This easy, one-pot American Goulash (aka Beefaroni) is the epitome of comfort food and a meal the entire family will love! It starts with a flavorful homemade meat sauce, then macaroni noodles cooked in the sauce, and finished with a sprinkle of cheese.

What do you eat with goulash? ›

Searching for the perfect accompaniment? Try mashed potato, dumplings or your favourite veg.

Does goulash taste better the next day? ›

This Goulash recipe tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in its entirety and reheat when ready to serve. Alternatively, you can prep some of the ingredients in advance: Carrots: chop the carrots and place them in an airtight container days in advance.

What is another name for American Goulash? ›

Slumgullion is another name for American goulash. The American version is similar to the original Hungarian version, but the American version is less like a stew and more like a quick one-pot meal. What kind of meat should I use for Slumgullion? Lean ground beef (about 90%) is the easiest meat to use.

What does baking soda do to meat? ›

Baking soda. Here's where it gets science-y: The baking soda raises the pH on the outside of the meat as it marinates, in a process known as velveting (which can also be done with a cornstarch slurry). This makes it so the proteins have a harder time bonding to each other when it's time to cook the meat.

What can I use to thicken goulash? ›

The three main thickening agents for gravies are flour, cornflour and arrowroot. The first two are normally used in savoury dishes while arrowroot tends to be used in sweet dishes – that said, arrowroot will work in a savoury dish as it has no flavour.

What is the secret to soft meat? ›

Tenderize Meat with a Baking Soda Dry Brine
  1. Step 1: Distribute Baking Soda to your cut(s) of meat. Rub the baking soda on your meat, making sure to cover all sides. ...
  2. Step 2: Place meat in a container and store in the refrigerator. ...
  3. Step 3: Remove meat and rinse thoroughly. ...
  4. Step 4: Cook as desired.

How many portions is 1 cup? ›

Estimating Serving Sizes

1 cup is a portion about the size of a large fist or baseball. Exceptions include: Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale, etc.): one serving is 1 cup cooked or 2 cups raw.

How many servings is 4 cups? ›

There are 3, 1/3 cup servings in one cup. You have 4 cups. 3 x 4 = 12 total servings. It doesn't get much simpler in that.

How many meals is 2 cups? ›

If you want to eat 2 cups—or half the package—you'd be eating two servings. Do a little math to find out how many calories you would really be getting. In this case, eating two servings would mean getting twice the calories—and other nutrients—that are listed on the food label.

Why is American goulash so different? ›

American goulash is more of a pasta and ground beef dish

A comfort classic in the U.S., American goulash bears little relation to its Hungarian predecessor. Chunks of beef or pork are replaced by ground meat, drowned in a tomato sauce over macaroni.

What exactly is goulash? ›

Goulash (Hungarian: gulyás) is a soup or stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices. Originating in Hungary, goulash is a common meal predominantly eaten in Central Europe but also in other parts of Europe. It is one of the national dishes of Hungary and a symbol of the country.

What are the two types of goulash? ›

Hungarian goulash and American goulash. Hungarian goulash is a thick soup with meat and vegetables, usually seasoned with paprika. American goulash is very different. It generally has tomato sauce, macaroni and beef.

What is another name for American goulash? ›

American Goulash has many names, depending on the region you're from – Slumgullion, American Chop Suey, Johnny Marzetti, and even Beefaroni.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6629

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.