American Goulash Recipe is the kind of comfort food you’ll want on repeat. With tender pasta, hearty beef, and a rich tomato sauce simmered to perfection, this one-pot dish brings big flavor with minimal effort. It’s cozy, filling, and easy enough for any busy night. The best part? Cleanup’s a breeze since everything cooks in a single pot, making it a go-to dinner for the whole family
Why This American Goulash Recipe Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast Prep: You can whip this up in just about 10 minutes.
- Easy Cleanup: One pot means less mess to handle.
- Big Flavor: Each bite is packed with deliciousness.
How to Make American Goulash Recipe (3 Steps & Timing)
Cook the Meat and Veggies (15 minutes):
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. Then, add 1 chopped large onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 chopped green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Simmer the Sauce (30-60 minutes):
Stir in 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1 (15-ounce) can of drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 (15-ounce) can of undrained diced tomatoes, and 1 cup of beef broth. Next, mix in 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Add Pasta and Finish (15-20 minutes):
During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, add 1/2 cup of elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir to combine and ensure the macaroni is fully cooked and the sauce thickens. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
- Garlic bread for dipping.
- Fresh salad to balance the meal.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a veggie boost.
- Grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top for extra richness.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to keep the macaroni nice and firm instead of soggy.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped veggies to save time.
- Buy rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a faster option.
- Use bagged salad to quickly pair with your meal.
- Prepare ingredients in advance for even quicker cooking.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use quinoa or whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
- Swap canned tomatoes for fresh, in-season tomatoes if available.
- Add other beans or vegetables based on what you have at home.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
American Goulash
Ingredients
For the goulash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 28 ounces can of crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces can of tomato sauce
- 15 ounces can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
Instructions
Cook the Meat and Veggies
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Simmer the Sauce
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Mix in chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Add Pasta and Finish
- During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, add elbow macaroni.
- Stir to combine and ensure the macaroni is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great if you want a leaner version. The sauce packs so much flavor that you won’t miss the beef.
What if the goulash turns out too watery?
No problem just let it simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until it thickens up. The pasta also absorbs some of the liquid as it cooks.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just make sure you’ve got a big enough pot to handle the extra volume. Goulash freezes well, so doubling up is a smart move for future meals.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, American goulash keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to freshen it up.
What toppings go well with goulash?
Grated cheddar, Parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream are great choices. Fresh parsley or green onions also add a nice pop of color and freshness.
Wrap-Up: American Goulash That Always Delivers
American Goulash Recipe is the one-pot dinner that checks every box easy, hearty, and loaded with flavor. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. From the tender pasta to the rich sauce, every bite feels like a warm hug. Try it tonight, and you’ll see why this classic recipe has been loved for generations. It’s simple, satisfying, and family-approved.
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Let’s make cooking easier, together one delicious bite at a time.
