American Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
▢ 1 pound lean ground beef
▢ 1 large yellow onion chopped
▢ 2 cloves garlic minced
▢ 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato based pasta sauce
▢ 2 cups beef broth or water, more as needed
▢ 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
▢ 3 tablespoons tomato paste
▢ 1 green bell pepper diced, optional
▢ 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
▢ 1 bay leaf 2 if they are small
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
▢ 8 ounces elbow macaroni uncooked
▢ ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese, optional
Instructions
In a Dutch oven or a large skillet with a lid, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
Add the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Remove & discard the bay leaf. Top with cheese if using, and replace the lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese is melted.
Making American Goulash at home has always been one of my go-to comfort meals, especially during the colder months when I crave something warm and filling. What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare and how flexible the ingredients are to adjust based on what you have in your pantry. For example, using lean ground beef keeps the dish hearty but not too greasy, and adding a good quality marinara sauce really boosts the tomato richness without extra effort. I sometimes swap the beef broth with chicken broth if that's what I have on hand, which adds a subtle flavor twist. The elbow macaroni texture after simmering in the sauce becomes tender but still holds up well, making every bite satisfying. If you’re a fan of some heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the seasoning step can give this classic recipe a nice kick. My family loves when I top the goulash with shredded cheddar cheese after cooking and let it melt under the lid for a few minutes. It adds a creamy layer that perfectly complements the tangy tomato base and tender ground beef. Also, consider the optional green bell pepper as a great way to add freshness and extra nutrients—sometimes I even throw in diced mushrooms or chopped zucchini for added veggies without changing the core flavor too much. One tip that I’ve found helpful is to stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom, especially if your skillet or pot isn’t non-stick. This also helps cook the pasta evenly throughout. Overall, this American Goulash recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can be made in under 30 minutes with few ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option for busy families or anyone looking for a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
