Classic American Goulash

This rustic Goulash turns basic pantry items into a filling, stick-to-your-ribs dinner. A tasty mix of juicy ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and savory tomato sauce makes a dish that takes you back to childhood dinners. Every bite gives you just the right mix of tastes that have kept this American favorite on dinner tables for generations. Throughout my time cooking for families with busy schedules, this goulash became my favorite comfort food to make. The first potluck where I brought it, everyone was shocked such simple stuff could taste so good.

Crucial Ingredients Breakdown

Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 fat content for the juiciest results Elbow Macaroni: This shape works best to hold all the sauce Tomatoes: We use both chunks and sauce for the right thickness Beef Broth: Gives the sauce extra body and flavor Italian Seasoning: Sets up the background flavors Paprika: Adds a bit of warmth and nice color

Making Delicious Comfort Food

Start With Meat Cook beef until well browned to get all the good flavors out. Build Taste Layers Cook onions and garlic until soft and smelling good. Mix The Sauce Put tomatoes and spices together carefully. Handle The Pasta Watch cooking time to get it just right. Top It Off Sprinkle cheese on top if you want it richer.

Pin

My grandma always told me, 'For goulash to really shine, the flavors need time to blend together.' After making this countless times, I can tell you she wasn't wrong.

Upgrade Your Meal

Pair with some buttery garlic bread, a simple green salad, or some quick steamed veggies. To make it even better, throw on some freshly shredded cheese and a handful of chopped parsley.

Fun Twists

Switch things up by tossing in some bell peppers, trying different pasta shapes, or mixing in Italian sausage. Want something lighter? Just swap in ground turkey and whole grain pasta.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Pop it in a sealed container and it'll stay good for up to four days. When warming it up, add a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. After tweaking this recipe for years, I've learned that taking your time and watching the little details really counts. This goulash hits that sweet spot between easy to make and totally satisfying, giving you a meal that makes any table feel like home.

Pin

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Is it okay to freeze leftovers?

Definitely! Let it cool down first, then freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a bit of broth if it’s thickened too much.

→ What other pasta can I use?

Small pastas like penne, shells, or rotini are great choices. Just make sure to check cooking times so the pasta isn’t overdone.

→ How can I make it more kid-approved?

Leave out the black pepper, switch to mild paprika, and sprinkle extra cheese on top. Garlic bread on the side works wonders too!

→ Can ground turkey replace the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a good swap. Just season it a bit more since it’s leaner and less rich in flavor.

→ Why is the dish watery?

Simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes. The idle time also lets pasta absorb more liquid and prevents a soupy texture.