American Goulash is a dish that brings families together, warms the heart, and satisfies any craving for a savory, home-cooked meal. This easy-to-make, one-pot wonder combines hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato sauce. Unlike traditional Hungarian Goulash, which has a long simmer time and incorporates chunks of meat and paprika, the American version is quicker, simpler, and relies on ingredients found in most kitchens. Whether you’re new to this dish or looking for tips to enhance your family’s recipe, this guide covers everything from history to ingredients, preparation, and serving ideas.
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A Brief History of American Goulash
American Goulash has a rich history rooted in the culinary traditions brought by Hungarian immigrants to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Traditional Hungarian Goulash, a slow-cooked stew made with beef, potatoes, and paprika, gradually transformed as it became popular in American homes. Instead of chunks of meat and vegetables, American cooks adapted the recipe to use ground beef, pasta, and tomatoes, creating a dish that was not only flavorful but also easy and affordable.
Today, American Goulash is celebrated as a nostalgic meal, especially popular in the Midwest and Southern U.S. It’s often served at family gatherings, potlucks, and even school lunches, cementing its status as a quintessential comfort food in American culture.
Key Ingredients in American Goulash
This recipe relies on a few core ingredients that give American Goulash its distinctive flavor:
- Ground Beef: The base of the dish, ground beef provides richness and depth. You can use lean ground beef for a healthier version.
- Onions and Garlic: Essential aromatics that add a savory, earthy flavor.
- Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: These provide the bulk of the sauce. Some recipes also call for tomato paste to thicken the sauce and enhance the tomato flavor.
- Elbow Macaroni: This small pasta shape is perfect for absorbing the sauce and distributing flavors evenly.
- Seasonings: Paprika, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper are common, although you can adjust these to taste.
- Beef Broth or Water: Used to cook the pasta directly in the pot, which allows the flavors to meld while keeping it all in one dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making American Goulash
Follow these steps to make a classic American Goulash that’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavor:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir in the seasonings, including paprika, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. This simmering step is key to achieving a deep, rich sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the elbow macaroni, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Allow the mixture to cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will absorb the sauce, making the dish thick and creamy.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Garnish with shredded cheese or chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor and color.
Tips for Perfect American Goulash
- Choose the Right Beef: Ground beef with 80-85% lean content is ideal, as it provides enough fat for flavor without making the dish too greasy.
- Simmer for Depth of Flavor: Allowing the sauce to simmer before adding the pasta enhances the dish’s overall taste.
- Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: Add pasta in the final 15-20 minutes and monitor closely, as overcooking can make it mushy.
- Season Gradually: Start with smaller amounts of seasoning and adjust based on taste. Remember, you can always add more salt, but you can’t remove it!
Popular Variations and Add-Ins:
American Goulash is versatile and can be customized in many ways to suit your preferences:
Make it Cheesy
For a creamy, cheesy version, stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan at the end of cooking. The melted cheese adds a luxurious, gooey texture that complements the pasta and beef.
Add Vegetables
Boost the nutritional content by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These vegetables cook well with the sauce and add more color and flavor to the dish.
Vegetarian Option
Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or increase the amount of vegetables. You can also add beans, such as black or kidney beans, for a protein boost.
Spice it Up
For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. Adjust the spice level based on your preference.
What to Serve with American Goulash
American Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can create a well-rounded dining experience:
- Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread adds a nice crunch and complements the savory flavors of the goulash.
- Side Salad: A fresh salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots make excellent sides and add color to the plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, serve goulash over creamy mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make American Goulash in Advance?
Yes, American Goulash is great for meal prepping. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the consistency.
Can I Freeze American Goulash?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Is American Goulash Gluten-Free?
Traditional American Goulash uses wheat-based pasta, but you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free pasta and ensuring other ingredients are gluten-free.
How Do I Make Goulash Less Salty?
If you find the dish too salty, add a splash of water or extra tomatoes to dilute the flavor. Cooking a raw potato in the sauce can also absorb some of the salt.
Here’s a unique rewrite of your American Goulash recipe with similar instructions and a slight variation in wording:
American Goulash Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large shallot or small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- About 1/2 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (approx. 8 shakes)
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, plus an additional pinch
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 15 oz can of tomato sauce
- 15 oz can of petite diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup uncooked gluten-free elbow pasta
American Goulash Directions:
- In a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high. Add the ground beef, shallot or onion, and garlic, breaking up the beef as it cooks. Season with Worcestershire sauce, a dash of seasoned salt, and pepper. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat if needed, then return it to the skillet.
- Add the remaining teaspoon of seasoned salt, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Increase the heat until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer, then reduce to medium or medium-low to maintain a steady simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the elbow pasta and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for 12–14 minutes or until the noodles are soft. Lower the heat slightly as the noodles finish cooking to keep a gentle simmer. Remove the bay leaf, then taste and adjust with more seasoned salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 437 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 59g |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0.4g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 1525mg |
| Potassium | 1258mg |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Vitamin A | 709 IU |
| Vitamin C | 19mg |
| Calcium | 86mg |
| Iron | 6mg |
Final Thoughts on American Goulash
American Goulash is more than just a meal – it’s a tradition in many American households. This dish captures the essence of comfort food: it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. From weeknight dinners to family gatherings, American Goulash is a recipe that brings everyone to the table. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a homemade, comforting classic. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try some of the suggested variations, American Goulash is sure to become a favorite in your home.