Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma wafting from my kitchen felt like a warm hug, instantly transporting me back to family dinners where laughter and comfort filled the air. That’s the magic of classic American goulash—a hearty, one-pot wonder that combines the simple pleasures of tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and rich tomato sauce. Not only is this dish a true crowd-pleaser, but it’s also a lifesaver on busy weeknights, thanks to its quick prep time. What’s even better? The recipe is incredibly versatile, welcoming a dash of spice or a handful of veggies to match every family’s taste. Are you ready to create your own comforting bowl of goulash? Let’s dive in! Why is Goulash the Ultimate Comfort Food? Warmth and Nostalgia: American goulash evokes fond memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners, instantly making it a favorite among many. One-Pot Wonder: The simplicity of preparing everything in one pot means less cleanup while delivering a hearty meal everyone will love. Customizable Ingredients: You can easily modify this dish with your favorite veggies or spices, ensuring it suits your family’s tastes perfectly. Quick and Easy: Ideal for busy weeknights, goulash comes together in just 30 minutes, giving you more time to enjoy with loved ones. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With its rich flavors and comforting texture, this goulash is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making it an essential recipe for any home cook. Don’t forget to check out my serving suggestions for the perfect pairing! Goulash Ingredients Let’s gather everything you need for this comforting classic! For the Base Olive Oil – Used for sautéing aromatics and preventing sticking; can be substituted with vegetable oil. Onion – Adds depth of flavor through sautéing; substitute with shallots for a milder taste. Garlic – Provides aromatic richness; fresh is recommended, but powdered garlic can be used in a pinch. Ground Beef – The main protein source; opt for lean to reduce grease, or use ground turkey for lighter options. For the Pasta and Sauce Elbow Macaroni – The ideal pasta shape for this dish; cavatappi or penne can be substituted if needed. Beef Broth – Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes – Create the base of the dish; high-quality canned tomatoes are best. Worcestershire Sauce – Adds umami and tanginess; soy sauce serves as a substitute for a vegetarian option. Italian Seasoning – Offers a blend of herbs for flavor; substitute with oregano and basil if necessary. Bay Leaf – Adds subtle depth; remember to remove it before serving. For Seasoning and Garnish Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste. Crushed Red Pepper (Optional) – For heat; adjust based on your preference. Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Adds color and freshness; can be replaced with basil or chives. Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional) – For richness; use freshly grated for better melting. With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a delicious goulash that’s sure to become a family favorite! Step-by-Step Instructions for Only Goulash Step 1: Sauté Aromatics In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add one chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for your classic American goulash. Step 2: Add Garlic Once the onion has softened, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, allowing it to become aromatic and golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as this can introduce a bitter taste to your goulash. Step 3: Brown the Beef Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, which will help keep your goulash from becoming too greasy. Step 4: Incorporate Sauces and Seasonings Stir in 15 ounces of tomato sauce and 14.5 ounces of diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 1 bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper now. Step 5: Simmer the Goulash Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow the goulash to simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step melds all the flavors together and thickens the sauce for your comforting dish. Step 6: Add the Pasta After simmering, stir in 1.5 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni into the pot. Mix well, then cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the sauce, making the goulash even richer. Step 7: Final Touches Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, carefully remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the goulash and adjust your seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Goulash Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with goulash, allowing your taste buds to guide you in crafting a personalized dish that brings warmth and joy! Dairy-Free: Swap out the shredded cheddar for a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it altogether for a lighter meal. Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to elevate the heat level and give your goulash a bold kick. Veggie-Packed: Stir in chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during the simmering process for added nutrition and vibrant colors. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shapes like rice or quinoa pasta instead of elbow macaroni to make this dish friendly for gluten sensitivities. Sausage Blend: Mix in a half pound of ground sausage with beef for a richer flavor profile that adds a delightful depth to your goulash. Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to enhance the aroma and flavor. It adds a beautiful, aromatic touch that will make dinner unforgettable. Tomato Alternatives: For a fresher taste, replace canned tomatoes with diced fresh tomatoes or a rich homemade tomato sauce for a burst of vibrant flavor. Veggie Broth: For a vegetarian-friendly version, replace beef broth with vegetable broth, maintaining that savory essence without meat. These delightful variations can transform your classic goulash into a custom masterpiece! And remember, if you’re looking for the perfect side, my serving suggestions are sure to complement your dish beautifully. What to Serve with Classic One-Pot American Goulash Nothing pairs better with goulash than a medley of flavorful side dishes and delightful beverages to create a complete meal experience. Garlic Bread: The perfect side for scooping up goulash, warm, toasted garlic bread invites buttery goodness to each bite. It’s hard to resist that crunchy exterior and soft interior! Green Salad: A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast, balancing the hearty richness of your goulash. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots add sweetness and a delightful crunch, enhancing the meal’s nutritional value and flavors. Cheesy Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread with melted cheese makes a delightful complement, soaking up every bit of that savory sauce. Each bite feels like a warm hug! Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and zing that perfectly offsets the comforting, softer elements of goulash, making each forkful a dynamic experience. Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and bubbly, sparkling lemonade acts as a palate cleanser, ensuring every mouthful of goulash is as enjoyable as the last. Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream brings a sweet closure to your meal. The fruitiness and warmth echo the nostalgia of family dinners, tying the whole dining experience together. Make Ahead Options These American goulash make-ahead options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the goulash mixture (up to the simmering step) up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, the flavors will meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply add the uncooked elbow macaroni and beef broth to the mixture, bring it to a simmer, and cook until the pasta is al dente. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked goulash for up to 3 months—just be sure to undercook the pasta slightly to maintain its texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth for the best results, ensuring every bite is as delicious as freshly made. Expert Tips for Goulash Cooking Pasta Carefully: Ensure to monitor the pasta closely while it cooks; overcooking can lead to a mushy goulash, so aim for al dente. Flavor Boost: For deeper flavors, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering stage to enhance the savory notes of your goulash. Vegetable Additions: Incorporating veggies like bell peppers or spinach is a great way to increase nutrition without compromising the classic taste of goulash. Freezing Smartly: If you plan to freeze leftovers, under-cook the pasta slightly to maintain a better texture when reheating—no one likes mushy noodles! Storage Solutions: Store your goulash in airtight containers and label dated for easy meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Storage Tips for Goulash Fridge: Store leftover goulash in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness. Freezer: Goulash can be frozen for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and remember to leave some space for expansion. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen goulash overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water for better moisture. Texture Maintenance: If you plan to freeze the goulash, under-cook the pasta slightly to ensure it retains its perfect texture when reheated. Only Goulash Recipe FAQs What type of pasta is best for goulash? The classic choice for goulash is elbow macaroni due to its shape that holds the sauce well. If you want to switch things up, cavatappi, penne, or rotini can also work beautifully, allowing each bite to be packed with flavor. How should I store leftover goulash? Store leftover goulash in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to keep all that deliciousness intact. Can I freeze goulash, and if so, how? Absolutely! Goulash can be frozen for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. What if my goulash is too thick? If your goulash turns out too thick, don’t worry! Just stir in a bit more beef broth or water while reheating. This will help loosen it up and restore the comforting consistency you’re looking for. Keep stirring gently to blend it perfectly. How can I make goulash a healthier option? You can add extra nutrition by incorporating bell peppers, onions, or zucchini during the simmering phase. They blend in seamlessly and boost the health quotient without altering the beloved flavors. Additionally, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist. Is goulash suitable for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions? Yes! Goulash is versatile and can accommodate various diets. For a vegetarian option, use ground meat substitutes and vegetable broth. Just be cautious with allergies—make sure to check the labels on your sauces and pasta for any gluten or lactose components. Only Goulash: Your New Favorite One-Pot Comfort Dish Only Goulash is a hearty, one-pot wonder combining tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and rich tomato sauce for a comforting meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 bowlsCourse: BeefCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Base2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be substituted with vegetable oil.1 medium Onion Chopped; substitute with shallots for a milder taste.2 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh is recommended, but powdered can be used.1 pound Ground Beef Lean preferred; ground turkey can be used for a lighter option.Pasta and Sauce1.5 cups Elbow Macaroni Cavatappi or penne can be substituted.2 cups Beef Broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian option.15 ounces Tomato Sauce High-quality canned tomatoes recommended.14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes With juices.2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce for vegetarian option.1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning Substitute with oregano and basil if necessary.1 leaf Bay Leaf Remove before serving.Seasoning and Garnishto taste Saltto taste Pepperto taste Crushed Red Pepper Optional, for heat.1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley For garnish, can replace with basil or chives.to taste Shredded Cheddar Cheese Optional, use freshly grated for better melting. Equipment Large pot Method PreparationIn a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until aromatic.Add ground beef and brown for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Drain excess grease.Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.Stir in elbow macaroni, cover pot, and cook on medium-low for 10-12 minutes until al dente.Remove bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot garnished with parsley and cheese if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 24gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg NotesMonitor pasta closely to avoid overcooking. Consider adding a splash of red wine during simmering for added flavor. Incorporating veggies can increase nutrition without compromising flavor. Store leftovers in airtight containers. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
