Print

American Goulash

American Goulash
Print Recipe

American Goulash is a comforting, hearty casserole-style dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Inspired by Hungarian flavors, this easy and quick recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With simple pantry staples and optional variations to suit dietary preferences, American Goulash is a family-friendly meal that delivers warm, satisfying flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup beef broth (for a saucier consistency)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the ground beef until fully browned and no pink remains, stirring occasionally to break it apart. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender and fragrant, infusing the base of your goulash with rich flavor.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ground paprika, salt, and pepper. If using, add beef broth now for a saucier consistency. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While your sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce and stir to evenly coat everything. Let the combined dish simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  6. Add Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover with a lid or foil until melted, about 3-5 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, delicious finish.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; drain when just al dente to avoid mushiness after simmering in the sauce.
  • Use fresh or high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Drain grease thoroughly from the cooked beef to prevent heaviness in the dish.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to help the flavors meld without drying out.
  • American Goulash keeps well for meal prep and often tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: American Goulash, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, pasta casserole, quick dinner

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/american-goulash/