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Easy American Goulash Recipe

This 30-minute dinner features spiced ground beef, hearty veggies, elbow macaroni and tomato sauce garnished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. You’ll love this Easy American Goulash Recipe!

overhead shot of a Gray Pot Full of American Goulash Topped with Chopped Parsley and Grated Parmesan

Easy Homemade American Goulash

The combination of ground beef and pasta is always a treat. Add some diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices into the mix, and you have a truly crave-worthy family dinner. This classic dish is like Hamburger Helper with a gourmet homemade makeover!

If you’re not a fan of beef, you can make your goulash with ground pork or ground turkey instead. Use what you have on hand! Either way, this is one pasta dinner you’ll make again and again.

A Gray Pot Full of American Goulash Topped with Chopped Parsley and Grated Parmesan

What is the Difference Between American Goulash and Hungarian Goulash?

Traditional Hungarian goulash is a more soupy dish than American goulash. They both use beef, onions, and paprika, but American goulash includes macaroni and tomatoes, making it more of a pasta dish. Both are excellent, but I find American goulash to be more kid-friendly.

Recipe Ingredients

This simple meal is made up of hearty ingredients and flavorful spices. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Olive Oil: Extra virgin.
  • Yellow Onion: Chopped.
  • Lean Ground Beef: Or another ground meat of choice.
  • Garlic Cloves: Minced.
  • Paprika: Sweet or smoked – up to you.
  • Dried Oregano: For flavor.
  • Salt: You’ll need 1 teaspoon.
  • Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Canned; undrained.
  • Tomato Sauce: Canned.
  • Beef Broth: You’ll need a cup and a half.
  • Elbow Macaroni: Or a gluten-free pasta alternative.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: I like to grate it myself for ultimate freshness!
Beef Broth, Ground Beef, Canned Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Ground Beef and Onions on a Countertop

How to Make American Goulash

This wholesome dinner is made in just one pot. You won’t believe how simple it is!

  • Heat Oil & Onions: Drizzle the olive oil into a large saucepan or dutch oven over medium heat. Coarsely chop the onion and add it to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add Beef: Add the ground beef, gently breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for roughly 5 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
  • Stir in Spices: Add the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to disperse evenly.
  • Add Tomatoes, Sauce & Broth: Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and beef broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 4 minutes.
overhead shot of a Gray Pot Full of American Goulash Topped with Chopped Parsley and Grated Parmesan
  • Add Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni noodles and cook, uncovered, for 8 minutes, or until the noodles reach your desired tenderness.
  • Cover & Let Stand: Remove your saucepan from the heat and sprinkle the goulash with parmesan cheese. Cover it and let it stand for roughly 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
close up shot of a Gray Pot Full of American Goulash Topped with Chopped Parsley and Grated Parmesan

Tips for Success

Want some extra advice for making American goulash at home? Just refer to these easy tips and tricks.

  • Simmer Sauce to Thicken: Before adding the macaroni, I like to simmer the beef sauce for about 4 minutes to thicken it. If you like a more liquidy sauce, you can reduce the simmer time accordingly and add the macaroni in sooner.
  • Season to Taste: Before you add in the noodles, you can always taste your sauce to make sure you’re satisfied with the flavor. This is a great time to check and see!
  • Use What You’ve Got: If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, you can use another small pasta noodle. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • Add More Cheese: Feel free to go crazy with the cheese on top of this pasta if you’d like. You could use another kind of cheese like cheddar, too.
  • Broil it Up: If you do choose to add extra cheese, I recommend broiling your goulash in the oven for a minute or two, until the cheese is bubbling. So yummy!
two bowls with American Goulash

Serving Suggestions

This goulash is definitely a full meal on its own, but it’s also easy to pair with other dishes. Here are some ideas for inspiration!

  • Cucumber Salad: This super simple Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream Dressing is the perfect cool and creamy dish to compliment American goulash.
  • Roasted Vegetables: If you have a big family, you should definitely have a big pan of Oven Roasted Vegetables next to your pot of goulash!
  • Dinner Rolls: One of these soft and fluffy No-Knead Dinner Rolls would be a delicious, classic accompaniment to your steaming bowl of beef goulash.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

  • Leftover goulash should be stored in an airtight container once it has cooled completely.
  • Keep it refrigerated and enjoy it within 4 days.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
American Goulash Being Mixed in a Pot with a Wooden Spoon

Can I Freeze Extras?

  • If you know you want to freeze your goulash, hold off on adding the pasta. Instead, you should remove it from the heat after the sauce has simmered, let the sauce cool completely and then freeze it in a freezer-safe container.
  • Frozen goulash sauce lasts for a month or two.
  • Before you want to finish and eat the dish, thaw the sauce completely in the refrigerator.
  • Cook the macaroni separately, drain it, put it back in the warm pot, add the sauce and mix to warm it all up. Serve and enjoy!
American Goulash Being Mixed in a Pot with a Wooden Spoon
Print Recipe
4.93 from 13 votes

Easy American Goulash Recipe

This 30-minute dinner features spiced ground beef, hearty veggies, elbow macaroni and tomato sauce garnished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. You'll love this Easy American Goulash Recipe!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: american goulash, easy pasta dishes, pasta dinner
Servings: 4
Calories: 467kcal

Equipment

  • Stove

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan or dutch oven, drizzle olive oil and set it over medium heat.
  • Coarsely chop the onion and add to the heated oil; sauté for 1 minute.
  • Add ground beef, gently breaking up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook for roughly 5 to 6 minutes, or until beef is browned and no longer pink.
  • Add the minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to disperse evenly.
  • Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and beef broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 4 minutes.
  • Add the elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with parmesan. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 1531mg | Potassium: 1019mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 918IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 6mg

More Pasta Dinner Ideas

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25 Comments

  • Allyson Reed Zea
    May 25, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    5 stars
    We make this for dinner all the time and it’s soooo good!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      May 26, 2021 at 9:39 am

      That’s great! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂 Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Amanda
    May 25, 2021 at 5:55 pm

    This is my ultiate comfort meal, my whole family loved every bite!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      May 26, 2021 at 9:38 am

      Thank YOU! I am very glad you and your family enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Vikki
    May 26, 2021 at 1:49 am

    5 stars
    So hearty and tasty, a fantastic comfort meal!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      May 26, 2021 at 9:37 am

      Thank YOU! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Amanda Livesay
    May 26, 2021 at 7:30 am

    5 stars
    My kids loved this goulash! So yummy.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      May 26, 2021 at 9:36 am

      That’s great! I’m very happy everyone loved it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Toni
    May 26, 2021 at 12:30 pm

    5 stars
    This is such a comforting meal! My family enjoyed it for dinner last night!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      May 27, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      Thank YOU! I am very happy everyone enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  • Beth
    May 26, 2021 at 4:42 pm

    5 stars
    Oh wow! This recipe looks amazing and so delicious! My family is going to really enjoy this for dinner tonight! Can’t wait to make this!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      May 27, 2021 at 2:56 pm

      I hope everyone enjoys it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Donna
    Oct 30, 2021 at 7:38 pm

    5 stars
    Hubby was hesitant to try this. Never has Goulash before. He LOVED it. Wants more.

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Nov 3, 2021 at 10:38 am

      That’s great to hear! I’m very happy you and your husband loved it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Nan
    Dec 21, 2021 at 8:38 pm

    4 stars
    For me it could use a little more spice, but it was quick and filling.

    Reply
  • Jill Wright
    Dec 29, 2021 at 5:50 pm

    5 stars
    My husband and I loved it! Will definitely pin it and put it into my rotation. Thanks!

    Reply
  • Sarah
    Jan 4, 2022 at 6:54 pm

    5 stars
    I found this recipe while browsing Pinterest today and decided to give it a try. I’m sure glad I did!!! I followed the recipe to a T and it was so delicious. I’m no chef so I was anticipating it to be more of a tomato sauce and pasta taste. It is definitely not that! It is so flavourful! I’m glad I stumbled upon this website so I can try more of the recipes!!!

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Jan 12, 2022 at 5:00 am

      That’s wonderful! I’m very happy you loved it! Thank you for chiming in! 🙂

      Reply
  • Beth
    Jan 30, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    5 stars
    This was so good! I did make 2 minor changes I used the trinity instead of just onion and used a can of fire roasted tomatoes

    Reply
  • Debbie Meinsler
    Mar 8, 2022 at 4:36 pm

    5 stars
    Love the recipe as is will make it again and again no chances.

    Reply
  • Shayna
    Mar 25, 2022 at 6:28 pm

    5 stars
    My husband asks for this all the time! It’s a regular recipe in our home. Thank you for sharing🥰

    Reply
    • Katerina
      Katerina Petrovska
      Mar 27, 2022 at 10:03 am

      That’s great! I’m very glad you and your husband enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

      Reply
  • Delano
    Oct 28, 2022 at 5:45 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe. We all loved it.

    Reply

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