If you are looking for the ultimate classic American goulash recipe, this hearty one-pot dinner is exactly the kind of comfort food that belongs in every family recipe collection. Made with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, onions, tomatoes, and a rich savory sauce, this old-fashioned American goulash is simple, filling, affordable, and incredibly satisfying.
Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, American goulash is a completely different comfort-food dish. It is typically made with ground beef, macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce, with variations that may include onions, garlic, bell peppers, herbs, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or cheese.
The best part is that everything comes together in one pot. The macaroni cooks directly in the flavorful tomato and beef mixture, allowing the pasta to absorb the savory sauce as it becomes tender. This makes the dish wonderfully hearty while also keeping cleanup to a minimum.
Whether you call it American goulash, hamburger goulash, American chop suey, or simply goulash, this classic ground beef and macaroni dinner is the perfect choice for a busy weeknight, family dinner, potluck, or cozy weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Classic American Goulash
- One-pot comfort food: The entire meal comes together in one large pot.
- Simple ingredients: It uses everyday pantry and refrigerator staples.
- Budget-friendly: Ground beef and elbow macaroni help stretch the meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Family-friendly: The combination of beef, pasta, and tomato sauce is comforting and familiar.
- Hearty and filling: Tender macaroni and seasoned ground beef make this a satisfying main course.
- Easy cleanup: Because the pasta cooks in the same pot, there are fewer dishes to wash.
- Perfect for leftovers: The flavors become even more developed after resting.
- Easy to customize: Add cheese, vegetables, extra spices, or your favorite toppings.
What Is American Goulash?
American goulash is a classic American comfort food made with ground beef, pasta, and a seasoned tomato-based sauce. Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta choice, although other short pasta shapes can also work.
It is sometimes called American chop suey, slumgullion, or hamburger goulash depending on the region and family tradition.
One of the defining characteristics of American goulash is its simple, hearty construction. Ground beef is browned with onions and garlic, tomatoes and broth are added, and the macaroni is cooked directly in the sauce until tender.
This creates a thick, savory dish where the pasta absorbs the flavors of the beef, tomatoes, herbs, and seasonings.
American Goulash vs. Hungarian Goulash
Despite sharing the word “goulash,” American goulash and Hungarian goulash are very different dishes.
Hungarian goulash is traditionally a meat stew associated with Hungary and is strongly associated with paprika, beef, onions, and a slow-cooked stew-like consistency.
American goulash is more commonly a stovetop pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings. It is faster to prepare and is known as an inexpensive, family-friendly comfort meal.
So if you grew up eating beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce from one big pot, you are probably familiar with the American version.
Classic American Goulash Ingredients
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that work together to create a rich and comforting flavor.
Ground Beef
Use 1 pound of ground beef. Ground beef provides the savory foundation of the dish.
An 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef works especially well because the small amount of fat adds flavor. If you use a particularly fatty ground beef, simply drain excess grease after browning.
Yellow Onion
Use 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce while complementing the beef.
Garlic
Use 3 cloves of minced garlic. Fresh garlic gives the sauce a wonderful savory aroma.
Diced Tomatoes
Use one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes. The tomatoes add texture and bright acidity to the sauce.
Tomato Sauce
Use one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Tomato sauce gives the goulash its rich, smooth base.
Beef Broth
Use approximately 2 cups of beef broth. Broth adds savory flavor while providing the liquid needed to cook the macaroni directly in the pot.
Elbow Macaroni
Use 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. Elbow macaroni is the classic choice because its curved shape holds onto the tomato and beef sauce.
Italian Seasoning
Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a balanced combination of dried herbs.
Paprika
Add 1 teaspoon of paprika. It gives the goulash subtle warmth and a beautiful color without overwhelming the tomato sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce
Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for extra savory depth.
Salt and Black Pepper
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
Bay Leaf
One bay leaf adds subtle background flavor while the sauce simmers. Remember to remove it before serving.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a cheesy American goulash. Add approximately 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end and let it melt into the hot pasta.
How to Make Classic American Goulash
Step 1: Heat the Pot
Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
If your ground beef contains very little fat, add a small amount of olive oil to the pot.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the hot pot.
Cook while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Breaking the beef into small crumbles helps distribute the meat throughout the finished goulash.
Step 3: Drain Excess Grease
If there is a large amount of excess fat in the pot, carefully drain it.
You want enough fat to keep the dish flavorful but not so much that the finished goulash becomes greasy.
Step 4: Add the Onion
Add the diced onion to the browned beef.
Cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.
Step 5: Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once fragrant, move quickly to the next step.
Step 6: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 7: Bring the Sauce to a Simmer
Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for several minutes so the flavors begin to come together.
Step 8: Add the Macaroni
Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the tomato and beef mixture.
This is one of the easiest parts of the recipe because there is no need to boil the pasta separately.
Step 9: Cover and Cook
Cover the pot and simmer for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom.
Cook until the macaroni is tender but not mushy.
Step 10: Check the Consistency
When the macaroni is cooked, the sauce should be thick and rich, coating the pasta without being completely dry.
If the goulash becomes too thick before the macaroni is tender, add a small splash of beef broth or water.
If it seems too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes.
Step 11: Add the Cheese
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if using.
Allow the cheese to melt into the hot goulash, creating a creamy and savory finish.
Step 12: Rest and Serve
Remove the bay leaf.
Let the goulash rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and cling beautifully to the macaroni.
Serve warm with additional shredded cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
The Secret to Great American Goulash
The most important technique is allowing the macaroni to cook directly in the sauce.
As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the flavors of the tomatoes, beef broth, herbs, and seasonings. The pasta also releases starch into the sauce, helping create the thick, comforting consistency that makes American goulash so satisfying.
Stirring occasionally is important because the macaroni can settle on the bottom of the pot. You want the pasta to cook evenly without sticking.
How to Keep the Macaroni From Getting Mushy
There are several simple tricks that can help you achieve perfectly tender macaroni.
- Do not overcook the pasta.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a violent boil.
- Stir occasionally during cooking.
- Start checking the pasta before the maximum cooking time.
- Remove the pot from the heat as soon as the macaroni reaches the desired texture.
Remember that the macaroni can continue absorbing liquid after the pot comes off the heat, so avoid cooking it far beyond tender.
Tips for the Best Classic American Goulash
Use Fresh Onion and Garlic
Fresh aromatics create much more depth than relying entirely on dried seasonings.
Brown the Beef Properly
Allow the ground beef to brown rather than simply steaming it. Browning adds savory flavor to the finished dish.
Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce
A small amount of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and enhances the savory flavor of the beef and tomatoes.
Use Beef Broth Instead of Plain Water
Beef broth adds more flavor to the sauce and helps make the dish taste richer.
Stir While the Pasta Cooks
Because the macaroni cooks directly in the sauce, stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Taste Before Serving
Always taste the finished goulash before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or seasonings according to your preference.
Easy American Goulash Variations
Cheesy American Goulash
Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the finished goulash. You can also sprinkle extra cheese over individual servings and allow it to melt.
Spicy Goulash
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.
Bell Pepper Goulash
Add diced green, red, yellow, or orange bell pepper along with the onion. The peppers add sweetness, color, and texture.
Extra-Garlic Goulash
If you love garlic, increase the amount of fresh minced garlic for a stronger savory flavor.
Italian-Style Goulash
Increase the Italian seasoning and finish the dish with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
Lean Ground Turkey Goulash
Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef if you prefer a lighter protein. Because turkey can be leaner, you may want to add a small amount of olive oil for moisture and flavor.
Vegetable Goulash
Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or other vegetables to make the meal even more substantial.
Extra Tomato Goulash
If you prefer a saucier dish, add additional tomato sauce or diced tomatoes.
What to Serve With American Goulash
American goulash is already a complete and filling meal, but a few simple side dishes can make dinner even better.
Garlic Bread
Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra tomato sauce left in the bowl.
Green Salad
A crisp green salad provides a fresh contrast to the rich and hearty goulash.
Steamed Vegetables
Broccoli, green beans, carrots, or mixed vegetables make easy side dishes.
Cornbread
Soft cornbread makes a delicious addition to a comforting American-style dinner.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, zucchini, carrots, or Brussels sprouts can add color and texture to the meal.
Can I Make American Goulash Ahead of Time?
Yes. American goulash is an excellent make-ahead meal.
Prepare the recipe as directed, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
The pasta will continue absorbing some of the sauce as it sits, so you may want to add a small splash of broth or water when reheating.
In fact, many people enjoy goulash even more the next day because the flavors have had additional time to blend together.
How to Store American Goulash
Allow leftover goulash to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate leftovers and enjoy them within approximately 3 to 4 days for the best quality.
When reheating, add a splash of water or beef broth if the pasta has absorbed too much of the sauce.
How to Reheat American Goulash
You can reheat goulash on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Stovetop Method
Place the desired amount in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water and stir occasionally until hot.
Microwave Method
Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
If the pasta looks dry, add a small splash of broth or water before reheating.
Can You Freeze American Goulash?
Yes, American goulash can be frozen.
Allow the cooked goulash to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
For convenience, freeze it in individual portions so you can thaw only what you need.
Thaw the frozen goulash in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.
The pasta may become slightly softer after freezing and reheating, but the dish will still make a convenient and satisfying leftover meal.
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Yes. Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, but other short pasta shapes can work.
Try small shells, rotini, penne, cavatappi, or bow-tie pasta. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes can require different amounts of liquid and different cooking times.
Can I Make Goulash Without Cheese?
Absolutely. Cheese is optional.
The tomato, beef, and macaroni combination is delicious on its own. If you prefer a classic non-cheesy version, simply leave the cheese out.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Yes. American goulash is very adaptable.
Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, corn, spinach, and carrots can all be incorporated depending on your family’s preferences.
Can I Make It Spicier?
Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
Start with a small amount and taste as you go so you can control the heat.
Can I Make American Goulash With Ground Turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey makes a good substitute for ground beef. Because turkey can be relatively lean, a small amount of olive oil can help keep the dish flavorful and moist.
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes can be used, although canned tomatoes are convenient because they provide consistent moisture and acidity.
If using fresh tomatoes, make sure there is enough liquid in the pot for the macaroni to cook properly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Browning the Beef
Simply cooking the beef until gray can produce a less flavorful dish. Allowing it to brown properly creates deeper savory flavor.
Adding Too Much Liquid
Because the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, too much liquid can make the finished goulash soupy.
Adding Too Little Liquid
The macaroni needs enough liquid to cook. If the pot becomes dry while the pasta is still firm, add a little broth or water.
Overcooking the Pasta
Watch the macaroni closely toward the end of cooking. Overcooked pasta can become soft and mushy.
Forgetting to Stir
Stir the goulash occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.
Not Tasting Before Serving
Tomatoes and broth can vary in saltiness, so taste the finished dish and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American goulash the same as Hungarian goulash?
No. They are different dishes. American goulash is generally a ground beef and macaroni dish with a tomato-based sauce, while Hungarian goulash is traditionally a paprika-forward beef stew.
Why is it called goulash?
The American dish adopted the name goulash, although its ingredients and preparation developed into a distinctly American comfort-food style.
What pasta is traditionally used?
Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta choice for American goulash.
Can I cook the macaroni separately?
You can, but cooking the macaroni directly in the sauce is one of the defining conveniences of this one-pot version. It also allows the pasta to absorb more of the sauce’s flavor.
Why is my goulash watery?
It may contain too much liquid or may simply need additional simmering time. Remove the lid and simmer gently for a few minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Why is my goulash too thick?
Add a small amount of beef broth or water and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
The stovetop method is the easiest approach because the macaroni can become too soft during long slow-cooker cooking. If adapting the recipe for a slow cooker, it is generally better to add the pasta closer to the end of cooking.
Can I make American goulash in a Dutch oven?
Yes. A Dutch oven is an excellent choice because it distributes heat evenly and provides plenty of space for the beef, sauce, and macaroni.
Is American goulash good for meal prep?
Yes. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be portioned into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners.
What cheese is best for goulash?
Cheddar is a classic choice. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or a cheddar blend can also be delicious.
How to Make the Best Family-Style Goulash
If you are making this recipe for the whole family, keep the basic seasoning balanced and allow everyone to customize their own bowl.
Set out shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, sour cream, or hot sauce so everyone can add their favorite toppings.
This makes American goulash especially convenient for families with different preferences. Some people can enjoy it mild and cheesy while others can add extra spice.
Why American Goulash Is Such a Great Weeknight Dinner
There is a reason recipes like American goulash have remained popular for generations. The dish combines inexpensive ingredients into something filling and flavorful without requiring complicated techniques.
Everything happens in one pot, making cleanup simple. The ingredients are easy to keep in the pantry, and the recipe can easily be adjusted depending on what you have available.
It is also the kind of meal that works beautifully for leftovers. A large pot can feed the family for dinner and provide convenient lunches for the following days.
Recipe Card: Classic American Goulash
Classic American Goulash
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- Fresh parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
- If necessary, add a small amount of broth or water if the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
- Let the goulash rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.
Final Thoughts
This Classic American Goulash is the kind of comforting, old-fashioned dinner that proves simple food can be incredibly satisfying. Tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs come together in one pot to create a hearty meal that is easy enough for a busy weeknight and delicious enough to make again and again.
Whether you grew up calling it hamburger goulash, American chop suey, or simply goulash, this nostalgic dish is an easy way to bring a warm, homemade dinner to the table without complicated ingredients or a mountain of dishes.
Serve it with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or your favorite vegetables, and finish each bowl with plenty of shredded cheddar for the ultimate cozy family dinner.
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