Easy American Goulash Recipe

Okay, confession time: I’m pretty sure American Goulash isn’t *actually* goulash in the fancy, European sense. It’s more like a hearty, hug-in-a-bowl situation, probably invented by someone’s grandma who was short on time and ingredients but long on love (and maybe a bit of pantry chaos). Think ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a ridiculously comforting tomato sauce all mingling together like it’s a family reunion and no one’s allowed to fight. It’s the kind of dish you eat when you need a solid meal without making a fuss, or when you’ve had a day so epic even your coffee needed a coffee. Trust me, if you need dinner on the table without consulting a culinary dictionary, this is your new best friend.

Speaking of family reunions and chaos, let me tell you about the time my husband, bless his cotton socks, decided he was going to ‘help’ with dinner. I was making this goulash, minding my own business, probably scrolling TikTok while stirring, when he proudly announced he’d ‘pre-chopped’ the onions. I asked to see, and there, on the cutting board, were what I can only describe as onion boulders. Not chopped, not diced, but geological specimens. I politely (mostly) suggested maybe he could try again, and he, in a fit of efficiency, decided the food processor was the answer. He put the *entire* onion in, hit ‘pulse’ for approximately 0.2 seconds, and then opened it to reveal… a single, slightly bruised onion. Not even shredded, just… confused. The kids, naturally, thought this was the funniest thing ever, and I ended up doing the onions myself while he supervised with the confidence of a CEO watching his interns fail. The goulash was still delicious, though, even with my tears (from laughing, mostly) adding extra seasoning.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Buy the pre-chopped onions. Your ancestors might judge you, but your tear-free eyes will thank you.
– Don’t wash the cutting board between chopping the onions and the garlic. Live a little dangerously.
– Use paper plates. Because the “fewer dishes” claim only goes so far.
– Double the recipe. Not because you have a big family, but because future-you will high-five past-you for not having to cook tomorrow.
– If you’re really lazy, just add everything to the pot at once and hope for the best. (Disclaimer: I cannot be held responsible for mushy pasta.)

Serving Ideas

– Pair with some ridiculously cheesy garlic bread. Carbs on carbs just makes sense.
– A simple green salad, so you can pretend you’re a well-balanced adult. Dress it with whatever mystery dressing is lurking in the back of your fridge.
– Serve with a large glass of wine. If the kids drove you nuts today, make it a *very* large glass.
– A cold beer pairs surprisingly well, especially if you’re eating it directly from the pot.
– Honestly, a spoon works. Keep it simple.

What to Serve It With

Pairings: Garlic bread (duh), a crisp green salad (for virtue signaling), or a side of steamed broccoli if you’re feeling ambitious and want to ruin the comfort food vibe a little.
Drinks: A good ol’ fashioned glass of water, your favorite soda, or a robust red wine that says “I survived this week.” If it’s Friday, maybe a margarita.

✔Tips & Mistakes

Tip: Don’t skimp on browning the ground beef. That’s where the flavor party starts.
Mistake: Using a pot that’s too small. You’ll end up with goulash on the stove, the floor, and probably your cat. Learn from my overflowing past.
Tip: Taste as you go! Unless you’re one of those people who refuses to taste their own cooking.
Mistake: Overcooking the pasta. Nobody wants sad, mushy macaroni. It should still have a little sass.
Tip: If it tastes a little bland, add more salt. Or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. It’s like magic, but for your mouth.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy American Goulash Recipe

A quick and simple recipe for a hearty American goulash that is perfect for family meals.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb ground beef Use lean ground beef for less grease.
• ▢ 1 cup chopped onion Yellow onion adds sweetness.
• ▢ 1 cup chopped bell pepper Red or green bell peppers work well.
• ▢ 2 cups diced tomatoes Canned or fresh; drain if necessary.
• ▢ 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• ▢ 1 cup beef broth Low sodium preferred.
• ▢ 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ▢ 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ▢ 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
• ▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper Freshly ground is best.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
• Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until softened.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Mix in the cooked elbow macaroni, combining well with the sauce and heat through.
• Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

Notes

For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of grated cheese on top before serving.