There are few dishes as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of classic American Ground Beef Goulash. This one-pot wonder combines savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce into a meal that brings everyone to the dinner table. If you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’ve found it. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a true family-pleaser that delivers hearty, delicious results with minimal cleanup.
What is American Goulash?
First, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. The Ground Beef Goulash we’re making today is a beloved American comfort food, sometimes called “American Chop Suey.” It’s a simple, hearty pasta dish made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni, all cooked together in one pot.
This is distinctly different from traditional Hungarian Goulash, which is a slow-cooked beef stew, rich with paprika, and typically served over noodles or with dumplings. Our version is the quick, weeknight-friendly dish that has been a staple in American kitchens for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Goulash Recipe
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks in a single pot or Dutch oven, which means incredibly easy cleanup.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, inexpensive ingredients like ground beef and pasta, it’s a great way to feed a family without breaking the bank.
- Family-Approved Flavor: It’s savory, slightly sweet, and cheesy—a combination that kids and adults universally love.
- Quick & Easy: You can have this hearty dinner on the table in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: We recommend an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease.
- Onion & Garlic: These aromatics form the essential flavor base. Use fresh for the best taste.
- Beef Broth: Adds a rich, savory depth to the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: A combination of canned tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes creates the perfect sauce consistency.
- Spices: A simple blend of paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is the secret ingredient! It adds a fantastic umami depth that makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmering for hours.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice for goulash. It cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Stirred in at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish.
How to Make Ground Beef Goulash Step-by-Step
Making this one-pot Ground Beef Goulash is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the paprika and oregano to toast the spices. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Goulash
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta will continue to soften as it sits in the hot sauce. Cook it until it’s just al dente for the best texture.
- Toast the Spices: Sautéing the paprika and oregano with the aromatics for a minute before adding the liquids helps to bloom their flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since the ingredient list is simple, using a good quality beef broth and canned tomatoes can make a big difference. For a similar comforting classic, try this recipe for easy homemade hamburger helper.
- Let it Rest: Allow the goulash to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce thicken up perfectly.
Recipe Variations
While this classic recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also easy to customize!
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Switch the Pasta: Shells, rotini, or penne work great as substitutes for elbow macaroni.
- Different Cheeses: Try a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or stir in some Parmesan for a nutty flavor.
What to Serve with Goulash
This Ground Beef Goulash is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. We love serving it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you love simple, comforting dinners, check out our other delicious one-pan meals.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Goulash makes for fantastic leftovers!
- To Store: Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: You can freeze goulash for up to 3 months. The pasta may be slightly softer upon reheating, but it will still be delicious. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To Reheat: Gently warm the goulash in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Goulash
Yes, you can freeze goulash for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Be aware that the texture of the pasta may become slightly softer after thawing and reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
Absolutely! Goulash is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors often meld and become even better the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
This recipe thickens naturally as the starches from the pasta release into the sauce. If you find your goulash is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice because its small, tubular shape holds the sauce well. However, other small pasta shapes like small shells, rotini, or ditalini also work great.
American goulash is a pasta-based dish made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni, all cooked together in one pot. Hungarian goulash is a traditional, slow-cooked beef stew rich with paprika, which is often served over noodles or with bread.
More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy goulash, you’re sure to love our recipe for hearty beef tips and gravy. It’s another family favorite that’s packed with savory flavor.
We hope you love this simple and delicious Ground Beef Goulash recipe! It’s a true comfort food classic that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. If you try it, please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest!
Ground Beef Goulash Recipe
Ground Beef Goulash (The Easiest One-Pot Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart, until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, paprika, and oregano. Cook for one more minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is completely melted and creamy. Serve the goulash hot.
Notes
Freezing: Goulash can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
