I remember both my mom and grandma making goulash. Although sometimes we referred to it as “hot dish” but that’s because I grew up in Minnesota where so many things are just called hot dish! Old-fashioned American goulash is known for being an easy comfort food recipe with ground beef, macaroni pasta, onions, and green bell peppers smothered in a seasoned tomato-based sauce. This hamburger pasta dish is thick, hearty, ready in just 30 minutes, and makes a very big batch. A nice bonus is that this is also a budget-friendly dish because the ingredients are relatively inexpensive and again, the recipe feeds a crowd.
Ingredients in American Goulash
For this easy American-style goulash recipe that comes together in 30 minutes and in just two pots, you’ll need the following easy-to-find fridge and pantry ingredients including the following:
Ground beef Ground sausage (or another ground protein if desired) Elbow macaroni White or yellow onion Green bell pepper Garlic Canned diced tomatoes Marinara or tomato sauce Beef broth Soy sauce Worcestershire sauce Italian seasoning Salt Pepper Fresh parsley
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make American Goulash
Making this recipe for American goulash is a cinch! Simply follow these very basic directions and your American goulash will be ready in no time. Step 1: Brown the protein(s). Step 2: While the proteins are cooking, boil the pasta Step 3: To the cooked proteins, add the onion, green pepper, garlic, and stir to combine. Step 4: Add the tomatoes, marinara, beef broth, soy and Worcestershire sauces, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes. Step 5: Add the pasta into the mixture and stir. Step 6: Season with parsley and serve!
Make-Ahead Instructions
If you’re wanting to simply make the recipe a day in advance for a party for example, go for it. When you’re browning the ground beef and ground sausage, if you see fit, you can drain any grease. However, if you’re using fairly lean ground beef ~85% or leaner, this likely won’t be necessary. It surely won’t be necessary if you’re also using ground chicken or turkey with the ground beef since they are super lean. Also a little grease is good because it keeps the pasta from sticking when you’re dealing with leftover goulash. I like to use lower or reduced sodium beef broth and soy sauce but it’s up to you. The consistency of this goulash is thick and hearty — even thicker than chili. However if you want to thin it out a bit, or you’re trying to stretch the recipe, feel free to increase the amount of beef broth to make it soupier or more chili-like. Refrigerate it and then gently reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve it noting it will take a little time to rewarm it since it’s a big pot of food!
Storing Leftovers
Goulash is great hot and fresh from the stove but leftover goulash will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. I find that anything with a red sauce or tomato-based sauce actually gets better the next day. Just like a homemade spaghetti sauce, the flavors marry and everything tastes even better after it rests for a day.
Recipe Substitutions
My recipe for easy American goulash is a prime candidate for recipe substitutions based on what you have on hand and what flavors your family enjoys. Here are a few substitution ideas that comes to mind:
As mentioned, mix-and-match another protein along with the ground beef To make spicier goulash, use hot Italian sausage + ground beef Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to make kicked up goulash Use red, orange, or yellow bell pepper in place of green which is traditional Add black beans or kidney beans for extra protein Use more beef broth if you like a more chili-like consistency Adding 1/2 to 1 cup of sour cream at the end will make for a creamier base Stirring in 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese will make a cheesy and super comforting base Garnishing with less cheese gives a nice touch of cheese but saves some calories and fat
What to Serve with Goulash
I remember my mom and grandma serving goulash with nothing more, which is totally fine! If you’re wanting to balance it out with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, they are welcome additions or just stick with the carbs and make some easy skillet cornbread.
More Easy Beef Dinner Recipes:
One-Skillet Tex Mex Beef Mac & Cheese – An EASY recipe that’s made in ONE skillet so you don’t have to cook the pasta separately!! Loaded with ground beef, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro! A family FAVORITE that feeds a crowd!! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! One-Pot Taco Pasta – An EASY recipe that’s ready in 20 minutes, made in ONE skillet, and loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors!! A family favorite that’s great for busy weeknights!! One-Skillet Beef Taco Pasta — An EASY recipe that’s ready in 20 minutes, made in ONE skillet, and loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors!! A family favorite that’s great for busy weeknights!! Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff — A comfort food classic that everyone in the family LOVES! Hearty chunks of beef, rich and flavorful beef gravy, and served over a bed of warm noodles to soak up all that goodness! The EASIEST recipe for beef stroganoff ever because your Crock-Pot truly does all the work! Set it and forget it! Slow Cooker Beef Stew – Comfort food at its finest with thick and tender chunks of potatoes, buttery soft potatoes, and mixed vegetables. The broth is rich, deep, and exquisite thanks to a mixture of beef broth, red wine, and a mixture of herbs and spices. IMPRESS your family and friends with this CLASSIC beef stew recipe! Easy 30-Minute Beef Taco Chili – Don’t have all day for chili to simmer? No problem!! This EASY, hearty chili full of Mexican-inspired flavors is ready in 30 minutes! If you like TACOS, you’ll LOVE this chili!! Easy 30-Minute Smoky Ground Beef Chili — Don’t have all day for chili to simmer? No problem!! This EASY, hearty chili with lovely SMOKY heat is ready in 30 minutes! PERFECT for busy weeknights!! Slow Cooker Beef Chili — Easy, hearty comfort food that’s packed with flavor that develops beautifully as the beef chili simmers away in your slow cooker!
