Home Recipes Comfort Food American Goulash: Pure Nostalgia in a Bowl

American Goulash: Pure Nostalgia in a Bowl

Name: American Goulash
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 15 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1 8 oz can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked (cooked according to package directions)); Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Rebecca Hopkins

March 6, 2021

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Let me take you on a little trip down memory lane. For me, the scent of simmering tomatoes, savory beef, and tender macaroni instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. This recipe for American Goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug of nostalgia. It’s the dish my husband’s Grandma used to make, the one that filled their home with the most comforting aroma and brought the whole family running to the table. It goes by many names; Slumgullion, American Chop Suey, Johnny Marzetti; but in our house, it’s simply called “Grandma’s Goulash.” It’s the ultimate one pot wonder, made with simple, humble ingredients that come together to create something truly magical. It’s hearty, it’s satisfying, and it’s the kind of food that makes you feel instantly at home.

Let’s talk about why this American Goulash is so irresistible. The flavor is a deeply savory, slightly sweet, and utterly comforting masterpiece. It starts with savory ground beef browned to perfection with onion and garlic. The sauce is a rich, tomatoey dream, made with crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sugar that cuts the acidity and brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds a lovely herby note. The star of the show is the tender elbow macaroni, which soaks up all that incredible sauce. The texture is pure comfort: the pasta is perfectly tender, the sauce is rich and clinging to every bite, and the beef adds a satisfying heartiness. Topped with a shower of grated Parmesan cheese, every single spoonful is pure bliss.

Secrets to Perfect American Goulash

These pro tips are your guarantee for a perfect, never fail goulash every single time.

Don’t Skip the Sugar: A teaspoon of sugar might seem out of place, but it’s a crucial secret ingredient. It doesn’t make the dish sweet; it simply balances the acidity of the canned tomatoes, creating a smoother, more well rounded sauce.
Cook Your Pasta Separately: While this is a one pot dish, it’s best to cook the elbow macaroni separately according to package directions. This ensures the pasta is perfectly al dente and doesn’t absorb too much sauce and become mushy. Then, you simply stir it in at the end.
Drain the Grease Well: After browning the ground beef with the onion and garlic, be sure to drain off any excess grease. This keeps the final dish from becoming oily and heavy, allowing the bright tomato flavor to shine.
Simmer for Flavor: Don’t rush the simmering! Letting the sauce simmer for 10 minutes before adding the pasta allows the flavors to meld and deepen. The final 5 minute simmer after adding the pasta lets everything come together perfectly.

Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

This dish is a meal prep superstar and perfect for making ahead.

Make Ahead Champion: You can make this goulash up to 3 days in advance. Prepare the recipe as directed, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and deepen, making it even more delicious the next day.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions: This goulash freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.

Step by Step Instructions

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Follow these simple steps for the most comforting, delicious goulash.

1Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and no longer pink, and the onion is softened (about 5-7 minutes). Carefully drain off any excess grease.

3Build the Sauce: Stir in the can of crushed tomatoes (with their juices) and the can of tomato sauce.

4Season: Add the sugar, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together well.

5Simmer: Bring the sauce to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

6Add the Pasta: Stir the cooked and drained elbow macaroni into the sauce. Make sure all the pasta is coated.

7Final Simmer: Let the goulash simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8Serve: Serve hot, sprinkled with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese.

Customize It: Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.

Gluten Free: Use your favorite gluten free elbow macaroni or other small pasta shape. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free, but always double check your canned goods to be sure.
Dairy Free: This recipe is easily made dairy free! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use your favorite dairy free Parmesan alternative. The rest of the dish is naturally dairy free.
Vegetarian: For a delicious vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use a plant based meat alternative, like Beyond or Impossible meat, or soy crumbles. You could also add an extra can of drained and rinsed lentils or beans for a hearty, meatless meal.
Protein Swaps: Not a fan of ground beef? This is delicious with ground Italian sausage, ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork.
Common Pantry Swaps:
- Pasta: No elbow macaroni? Use any small pasta shape like shells, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti.
- Tomatoes: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, you can use a 15 ounce can of diced tomatoes and pulse them a few times in a food processor for a similar texture.
- Add Veggies: This is a great way to use up veggies! Stir in a diced green bell pepper along with the onion, or add a handful of sliced mushrooms or frozen corn.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is also a fantastic topping for goulash. Try a blend of cheddar and Parmesan!

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Your Goulash

This hearty dish is a meal in itself, but it loves good company.

The Classic Pairing: Serve it with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread or a loaf of crusty bread for sopping up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
Add a Salad: A simple tossed green salad with a bright vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory goulash.
Veggie Sides: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or peas are all wonderful on the side.
Beverage Pairings: This comforting, savory dish pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk (especially if you’re feeling nostalgic!). For adults, a medium bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese is a lovely match. A crisp lager or pilsner would also be excellent. For a non alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon is refreshing.

Essential Equipment List

Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven (4-5 quart): For browning the beef and simmering the sauce.
Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
Colander: For draining the pasta and the ground beef grease.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For breaking up the beef and stirring.
Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping the onion and garlic.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Can Opener

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Hungarian Goulash and American Goulash?
They are quite different! Hungarian goulash is a stew, typically made with chunks of beef or pork, and is richly flavored with paprika, which gives it a distinctive red color and smoky flavor. American goulash, on the other hand, is a pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tomato based sauce. It’s a completely different creation, though both are delicious one pot meals.
Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! For a slow cooker version, brown the beef, onion, and garlic first, then transfer to your slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, seasonings, and ½ cup of water or broth. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir in cooked pasta about 20 minutes before serving. For an Instant Pot version, use the sauté function to brown the beef, then add the tomatoes, seasonings, and 1 cup of water or broth. Pressure cook on HIGH for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in uncooked pasta and pressure cook on HIGH for 4 minutes. Let it natural release for 5 minutes before stirring.
How can I make this recipe for a larger crowd?
This recipe is easily doubled! Simply use a larger pot and double all the ingredients. You may need to increase the simmering time slightly. It’s perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
My sauce is a little too acidic. How can I fix it?
The teaspoon of sugar is there to balance the acidity, but if you feel it needs a little more, you can stir in an additional ½ teaspoon of sugar. A small pinch of baking soda can also help neutralize acidity, but use it very sparingly (just a pinch!) as it can affect the flavor.