Classic American Goulash is a comforting and hearty dish that brings back memories of family dinners and potlucks. This one-pot meal combines ground beef, pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce, making it an easy and satisfying choice any night of the week. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just looking for a simple meal, Goulash has you covered.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make Classic American Goulash because it is quick, easy, and delicious! With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can whip up a satisfying dinner in no time. The recipe uses everyday ingredients, making it budget-friendly and accessible. Plus, it’s a great dish for leftovers—perfect for lunch the next day!
How to Make Classic American Goulash
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large diced onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon beef base (or bouillon)
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (one petite diced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped Italian parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Add 2 pounds of ground beef to a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook and brown the beef for 7-8 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and drain, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
- Add 1 large diced onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat until tender. Then add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add 3 cups of water, 1 tablespoon of beef base, 2 cans of tomato sauce, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon of seasoned salt, 2 teaspoons of paprika, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and 3 bay leaves. Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Cover and simmer for another 15-20 minutes or until the noodles are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Just before serving, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped Italian parsley on top before serving!
How to Serve Classic American Goulash
Serve Classic American Goulash hot, right from the pot! It pairs well with a side of garlic bread, a simple salad, or some steamed vegetables. The melted cheese on top adds an extra creaminess, making this dish even more appealing.
How to Store Classic American Goulash
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, you can microwave it or warm it on the stove, adding a little water if it’s too thick.
Tips to Make Classic American Goulash
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or corn, for extra nutrition.
- For a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner meat option.
Variation
You can easily alter Classic American Goulash by using different pasta shapes, like rotini or penne, instead of elbow macaroni. Also, try adding different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a twist on flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make Classic American Goulash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Is Classic American Goulash gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check the other ingredients for gluten content.
3. How can I make Classic American Goulash spicier?
You can add spicy seasonings, like cayenne pepper or hot sauce, to increase the heat level.
Enjoy making this Classic American Goulash and watch it quickly become a favorite recipe in your home!
Classic American Goulash
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large diced onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon beef base (or bouillon)
- 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
- 2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes (one petite diced)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh chopped Italian parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Add the ground beef to a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook and brown the beef for 7-8 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and drain, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat until tender. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add water, beef base, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir everything to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Cooking
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Cover and simmer for another 15-20 minutes or until the noodles are al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and garnish with fresh chopped Italian parsley.
