American Goulash Recipe (2024)

This easy American Goulash recipe is full of hearty ingredients that will warm you from the inside out.

While goulash can vary, this version uses ground beef, canned tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and onions to make a hearty one pot meal.

It’s packed with zesty flavor and the perfect way to feed a crowd on a budget.

Goulash Around The Globe

American Goulash is not the same thing as goulash in other parts of the world.

The difference between Hungarian and American Goulash:

Hungarian Goulash is a beef and onion soup seasoned with Hungarian paprika and sometimes containing potatoes and/or carrots (often made without vegetables).

American Goulash is old-fashioned goodness. It’s a simple dish with ground beef and elbow macaroni in tomato sauce. This American comfort food is also called “slumgullion”, Hamburger Goulash, or “American chop suey” among other names!

Goulash is a Childhood Favorite!

• American goulash uses simple ingredients, and it’s budget-friendly.
• This recipe can be stretched to feed a crowd by adding extra pasta and sauce.
• It needs only one pot which means less mess and fewer dishes to wash!
• Double up the batch or freeze leftoversfor future meals.

Goulash Ingredients

Ground Beef—Ground beef (or hamburger meat) is browned as the base of this meal, and it’s okay if you use a little bit more or less than called for. You can substitute Italian sausage or use ground turkey if you’d like.

Elbow Macaroni – I use elbows but any small pasta will work. Try small shells, bowties, or ditalini all work well.

Sauce – This goulash recipe has a rich zesty tomato sauce. Use favorite jarred pasta or marinara sauce combined with a can of tomatoes. We add water to cook the pasta but you can use beef broth in place. The sauce is seasoned with tomato paste and Italian Seasoning.

Variations

• Diced celery or red bell pepper can be added to the meat sauce.
• Stir in some Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
• Stretch the meal with extra pasta (and water) or a can of drained beans.
• Stir in some Parmesan cheese, or top it with cheddar cheese or sour cream for serving if desired.

How to Make Goulash

This easy goulash recipe comes together in just one pot.

1. Brown beef, onion, & garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add remaining ingredients except for pasta. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes to thicken.
3. Add pasta and simmer until tender.

Serve goulash with bread or dinner rolls for dipping and dunking.

Leftovers?

Fridge: Leftover American goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezer: Freeze chilled portions in zippered bags with the date labeled on the outside for up to 4 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.

Did your family love this American Goulash? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

More Favorite Cozy Meals

• CrockPot Goulash – super easy to make
• Chicken Parmesan Casserole – quick take on an Italian favorite
• Classic Stuffed Shells – filled with cheese and baked until bubbly
• Baked Rigatoni Pasta – easy family favorite
• Easy Lasagna – made in just one pot