Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! When the weather cools, or I’m simply craving a dish that feels like a warm hug, my mind often drifts to a true American classic: Goulash. This isn’t the Hungarian stew you might be thinking of, but rather the beloved comfort food staple of my childhood – a rich, savory ground beef and tomato sauce mixed with tender macaroni. It’s a complete meal in one pot (or almost one), incredibly satisfying, and always a huge hit with the family.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Goulash recipe is a nostalgic favorite for me, and I know it will become one for you too. I love it because it’s a genuine one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup which is always a win on a busy weeknight. It’s incredibly hearty and comforting, making it perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or just cozying up with a bowl on the couch. The blend of seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and tender pasta is simply irresistible, delivering big flavors with minimal fuss. It’s truly a timeless, no-fail dinner solution.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Classic American Goulash:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Ground Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can easily use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a mix of ground pork and beef.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells, ditalini, or even rotini would work well. Make sure it’s a small pasta shape that will cook quickly in the sauce.
• Tomatoes: The combination of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste provides depth. You can adjust the ratios slightly based on preference.
• Broth: Beef broth adds richness, but chicken or vegetable broth, or even just water, can be used.
• Seasoning: Adjust Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes to your taste. A bay leaf added during simmering can also enhance flavor.
• Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a fantastic melter and adds great flavor. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also be delicious.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the browned beef. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes & Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
5. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Drain Fat: Draining excess fat from the ground beef is important for a less greasy and more flavorful sauce.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep an eye on the macaroni during the final cooking stage. You want it tender but not mushy.
• Stir Occasionally: Stirring helps prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust Liquid: If the sauce seems too thick before adding the pasta, add a splash more beef broth or water. If it’s too thin after the pasta cooks, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
• Freshly Grated Cheese: While the cheese is optional, using freshly grated cheddar melts more smoothly and tastes better than pre-shredded.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Classic American Goulash is a complete, satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the rich goulash.
• Cornbread: For a true comfort food experience, serve alongside warm cornbread.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of Classic American Goulash are often even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld! Store any cooled portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the pasta will have absorbed more liquid, so you’ll likely need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the hearty, comforting nature of this Goulash, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other favorite one-pot wonders and comforting family meals:

• For another classic pasta dish that’s always a hit, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• If you’re a fan of convenient one-pan dinners packed with flavor, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• For a quick and satisfying dinner packed with Southern goodness, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a go-to.
• And if you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made fast, don’t miss my Instant Pot Lasagna.
• Finally, for a true taste of the South and another hearty, flavorful stew, dive into a bowl of my incredibly comforting Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.

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Final Thoughts

Classic American Goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a cool evening, a budget-friendly delight, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients. It’s a dish that feeds the soul as much as it fills the stomach. Give it a try, and let this timeless comfort food bring warmth to your table!

What are your favorite nostalgic comfort food dishes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.