The Best Nostalgic American Goulash Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Comfort food brings us back to cherished memories, and this hearty American goulash recipe captures the essence of home-cooked warmth.

Generations have savored this classic dish, passing down its rich, satisfying flavors through time.

Tender ground beef, perfectly seasoned pasta, and a robust tomato sauce meld together in a one-pot wonder.

Each spoonful tells a story of simple, delicious cooking that never goes out of style.

The aroma alone can transport you to cozy kitchen tables filled with love and laughter.

Bold and unpretentious, this goulash stands as a testament to traditional American cuisine.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that promises pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Nostalgic American Goulash: Dinner Memories

• Comfort Food Champion: Nostalgic American Goulash delivers a hearty, soul-warming meal that brings back memories of classic home cooking with its rich, satisfying flavors.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this one-pot wonder in less than an hour, using simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, meaty goodness that combines tender pasta with flavorful ground beef and a zesty sauce that pleases every palate.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinners, this recipe scales up perfectly and tastes even better as leftovers.

American Goulash Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the rich base of this classic American comfort dish.
• Macaroni Noodles: The classic pasta that provides a comforting and filling texture to the goulash.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds creamy depth and flavor to the final dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables provide a sweet and savory foundation for the goulash's flavor profile.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste and aroma of the dish.

• Beef Broth, Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: These liquid ingredients create a rich and robust sauce that coats the pasta and meat.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A tangy condiment that adds complex depth to the goulash's flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that bring warmth and traditional seasoning to the dish.
• Bay Leaves: An aromatic herb that infuses subtle flavor during the simmering process.

Cooking Instructions for American Goulash

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in diced onions, bell peppers, and ground beef.

Stir and cook until the beef turns a rich, golden brown and loses its pink color completely.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pot and stir quickly.

Let the garlic dance and release its aromatic magic for about 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 4: Introduce the Pasta

Crank up the heat to medium-high.

Add uncooked macaroni noodles directly into the sauce.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Watch for the perfect al dente texture and the sauce’s gradual thickening.

Step 5: Cheese and Finish

Pluck out the bay leaves.

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy, dreamy blend.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Serve piping hot, with an optional garnish of extra cheese or fresh herbs for that final touch of deliciousness.

Tips for Hearty, Classic Goulash

• Stir the pasta frequently during cooking to stop it from clumping and burning at the bottom of the pot.
• Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to ensure smooth, even melting without becoming grainy.
• Let the goulash simmer a bit longer to allow the spices and herbs to fully develop and intensify the overall taste.
• Use slightly less liquid if you prefer a thicker sauce, as the pasta will continue to absorb moisture while cooking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore the original creamy consistency.

Goulash Variations from the Past

• Gluten-Free Goulash: Replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-rich meatless alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Add red pepper flakes, swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano and thyme, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving American Goulash at the Table

• Family Dinner Champion: A hearty one-pot meal perfect for gathering loved ones around the table, with rich flavors that bring comfort and satisfaction.
• Weeknight Warrior Meal: Quick and easy preparation makes this goulash ideal for busy families seeking delicious dinner solutions in under 45 minutes.
• Leftover Magic Maker: Store remaining portions in airtight containers for 3-4 days, reheating easily for lunch or next-day meals with consistent flavor and texture.
• Customization Station: Enhance the dish by adding extra toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, or crispy bacon bits to personalize each serving and boost excitement.

Storing Goulash for Later

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Cool the dish to room temperature before sealing and placing in the refrigerator, which helps preserve its texture and flavor.
• Keep the goulash refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it remains safe and tasty for quick reheating.
• Transfer the cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers, where it can be stored for up to 3 months, providing a convenient make-ahead meal option.

FAQs

• Is American Goulash different from traditional Hungarian Goulash?

American Goulash is a simplified, one-pot version that uses ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, unlike the traditional Hungarian stew made with chunks of beef and more paprika.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can also use shells, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well. The key is using a pasta shape that captures the sauce.

• How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Kids usually love this dish as is, but you can reduce spices if needed. Adding extra cheese or letting them help cook can make it more appealing to children.

Nostalgic American Goulash Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty and comforting, classic American Goulash brings generations of home-cooked memories to your dinner table. Savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce create a warm embrace that connects you to cherished family traditions.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 1 pound (453 grams) ground beef (90% lean)
• 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) macaroni noodles, uncooked
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce & Liquids:

• 2.5 cups (591 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can petite diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings & Finish:

• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef, diced onions, and bell peppers, sautéing until meat transforms to a rich, caramel-brown color and loses its raw appearance.
2. Integrate minced garlic, stirring rapidly for 30 seconds to release its aromatic essence without burning.
3. Create the flavor foundation by incorporating beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Elevate to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat, covering and allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 20 minutes.
4. Reestablish medium-high temperature, introducing uncooked macaroni directly into the sauce. Allow pasta to cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to ensure even cooking and prevent底部粘附. The sauce will naturally thicken during this process.
5. Extract bay leaves from the mixture. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and harmoniously integrated. Perform a final seasoning adjustment, tasting and modifying salt and pepper as needed. Present the goulash piping hot, optionally adorned with additional cheese or fresh herb garnish.

Notes

• Customize Meat Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier version, reducing overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Pasta Perfection Slightly undercook macaroni since it continues absorbing sauce during simmering, preventing mushy texture and ensuring ideal consistency.
• Cheese Enhancement Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or blend multiple cheeses for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg