Easy American Goulash Recipe: Quick One-Pot Comfort Meal

Enjoy this Easy American Goulash Recipe, a 30-minute meal of seasoned ground beef, hearty vegetables, elbow macaroni, and tomato sauce, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Why We Love This Goulash Recipe

• Classic Comfort: Ground beef and pasta combine into a filling, family-friendly dish.
• One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot for quick prep and easy cleanup.
• Flexible: Swap ground beef for pork, turkey, or a plant-based alternative to suit your needs.
• Works Alone or with Sides: Hearty enough on its own, but pairs nicely with simple salads or roasted vegetables.

What Is American Goulash?

American goulash differs from Hungarian goulash. Hungarian goulash is traditionally more like a soup with prominent paprika flavors, while American goulash adds macaroni and tomatoes to create a thick, pasta-style casserole. Both are delicious, but this recipe focuses on the American comfort-food version.

Recipe Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Or substitute vegetable oil or butter.
• Yellow onion: White onion works too.
• Lean ground beef: Or ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute.
• Garlic, minced: Garlic powder or jarred minced garlic can be used.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika or chili powder for a different note.
• Dried oregano: Dried basil or Italian seasoning are fine alternatives.
• Salt and black pepper: To taste.
• Canned diced tomatoes, undrained: Or fresh diced tomatoes or tomato puree.
• Tomato sauce: Crushed tomatoes or diluted tomato paste can substitute.
• Beef broth: Chicken or vegetable broth works.
• Elbow macaroni: Any small pasta or a gluten-free option.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Romano or Asiago are good alternatives.

How to Make American Goulash

1. Heat oil and sauté onions: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the oil and sauté the coarsely chopped onion for about 1 minute.
2. Cook the beef: Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook about 5–6 minutes, until browned and no longer pink.
3. Season: Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Add tomatoes, sauce, and broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Add the macaroni: Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your preferred tenderness.
6. Finish and rest: Remove from heat, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, cover, and let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Adjust sauce thickness: For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce a few minutes longer before adding pasta; reduce simmering for a looser sauce and add the pasta earlier.
• Taste and season: Taste the sauce before adding noodles and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Pasta swaps: Any small pasta shape works; use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Cheese variations: Add more Parmesan or swap in cheddar for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This goulash is a complete, comforting meal. Serve it with a simple cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans. Soft dinner rolls or homemade biscuits make classic, satisfying accompaniments.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• To freeze, omit the pasta: cool the sauce completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Cook pasta fresh when ready to serve.
• Reheat portions gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

More Pasta Dinner Ideas

• Creamy Shrimp Alfredo Pasta
• One-Pot Jambalaya Pasta
• Lasagna Stuffed Pasta Shells
• Seafood Mac and Cheese
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

4.94 from 15 votes

Easy American Goulash Recipe

by Katerina | Easy Weeknight Recipes

Savor the flavors of American Goulash, a quick 30-minute meal packed with spiced ground beef, elbow macaroni, rich tomato sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
• 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 1/4 cups elbow macaroni, or gluten-free alternative
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 1 minute.
3. Add the ground beef and break it up; cook 5–6 minutes until browned.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 4 minutes.
6. Stir in the elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan, cover, and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large saucepan or Dutch oven
• Chef’s knife

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 467 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 45 g |
Protein: 36 g |
Fat: 16 g |
Saturated Fat: 5 g |
Sodium: 1531 mg

Nutrition info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary based on ingredients and preparation.