Name: Classic American Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups water; 1 tablespoon beef base (or bouillon); 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce; 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (one petite diced); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon seasoned salt; 2 teaspoons paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 bay leaves; 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh chopped Italian parsley

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Classic American Goulash is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and tender elbow macaroni. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights and satisfies the whole family.

A close-up view of a big white pot with a yellow handle filled with a thick soup or stew. The dish has three main layers mixed together: curved pale macaroni pasta, dark brown cooked ground meat, and bright red chunky tomato pieces, all covered in a rich reddish sauce. Small bits of green herbs are scattered on top for color. A metal spoon is partly dipped into the dish on the right side. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth slightly visible on the bottom left. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
1 large diced onion
4 cloves minced garlic
3 cups water
1 tablespoon beef base (or bouillon)
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (one petite diced)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
3 bay leaves
2 cups elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh chopped Italian parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the ground beef to a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Cook and brown the beef, breaking it apart, for 7-8 minutes. Remove the meat from the pot and drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons of grease in the pot.
Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until tender. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Return the cooked beef to the pot. Add water, beef base, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni noodles. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and cooked through.
Step 5: Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Remove the bay leaves, then garnish with fresh chopped Italian parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this goulash.
To add extra veggies, stir in chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream along with the cheese.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and paprika, depending on your preference.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a generous serving of elbow macaroni pasta mixed with a rich ground beef and tomato sauce, showing a blend of red and brown colors with bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. On one side, two pieces of golden toasted bread rest against the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth partially visible in the corner and a blurred black skillet and a pepper grinder in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can make the goulash in advance and refrigerate it. Just wait to add the cheese and parsley until right before serving for best flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for beef base or bouillon?

If you don’t have beef base or bouillon, you can use beef broth or stock instead. Adjust the amount of water accordingly to maintain the right liquid balance.