American Goulash Recipe

Simple ingredients like ground beef (hamburger meat), canned tomatoes, elbow macaroni, and onions are all cooked in one pot for an easy hearty meal.

It’s packed with zesty flavor and the perfect way to feed a crowd on a budget! Serve it alongside some cornbread or homemade biscuits for sopping up the sauce in the bottom of the bowl!

What is Goulash?

American Goulash is not the same thing as goulash in other parts of the world. Like many dishes that have the same name (like dumplings for example) the ingredients and preparation are different.

American Goulash and Hungarian Goulash are two completely different dishes.

The difference between Hungarian and American Goulash:

Hungarian Goulash, a robust beef and onion soup seasoned with Hungarian paprika and sometimes containing potatoes and/or carrots (more often made without vegetables though).
American Goulash is old-fashioned goodness. It’s a simple dish consisting of ground beef and elbow macaroni in a tomato-based sauce. It’s classic American comfort food that also goes by the name “slumgullion”, Hamburger Goulash, or “American chop suey” among many others!

Why We Love This Dish

American goulash uses a few simple inexpensive ingredients, it’s a great way to feed a crowd.
It needs only one pot which means less mess and fewer dishes to wash!
It’s really easy to make and great for beginners, it’s cozy and tastes great!
This recipe can be stretched to feed a bigger crowd by adding extra pasta and sauce.
Double up the batch or freeze leftovers for future meals.

Goulash Ingredients

GROUND BEEF: Ground beef (or hamburger meat) gives this dish its base and adds lots of flavors, Italian sausage can be substituted for the beef for extra flavor.

ELBOW MACARONI: Use whatever pasta is on hand! Elbow, small shells, bowties, or ditalini all work well.

SAUCE: Goulash has a rich zesty tomato sauce! Use your favorite jarred pasta or marinara sauce combined with a can of tomatoes (and juice!). We add water to cook the pasta but you can use beef broth in place.

The sauce is seasoned with tomato paste and Italian Seasoning for an extra boost of flavor.

Variations

Add some shredded carrots or red bell peppers for a bit of sweetness in the zesty sauce. Diced celery is great in this recipe too.
Stir in some Worcestershire sauce, a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Stretch out the meal with extra pasta (and water) or a can of drained kidney beans (or your favorite kind of beans).
Top it with cheese if desired.

How to Make Goulash

It’s literally as easy as 1,2,3.

Brown beef, onion, & garlic in a large pot or dutch oven.
Add remaining ingredients except for pasta. Cover and simmer 15 minutes to thicken.
Add pasta and simmer until tender.

Serve goulash with bread, or dinner rolls for dipping and dunking.

Leftovers?

Keep leftover American goulash in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove before serving. Freeze chilled portions in zippered bags with the date labeled on the outside for up to 4 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Easy Ground Beef Pasta

Instant Pot Pasta Sauce
Easy Homemade Lasagna
Cheesy Skillet Lasagna
Easy Baked Mostaccioli
Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce
Fusilli with Meat Sauce

Did your family love this American Goulash? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

More Favorite Cozy Meals

CrockPot Goulash – super easy to make
Chicken Parmesan Casserole – quick take on an Italian favorite
Classic Stuffed Shells – filled with cheese and baked until bubbly
Baked Rigatoni Pasta – easy family favorite
Easy Lasagna – made in just one pot