If you’re looking for a hearty, budget-friendly dinner that the whole family will love, American Goulash is the answer. This classic one-pot meal is loaded with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under 45 minutes — making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What Is American Goulash?
American Goulash (also known as American Chop Suey or Slumgullion in some regions) is a beloved dish that has graced dinner tables across the United States for generations. Unlike its Hungarian counterpart — which features slow-cooked beef and paprika — American Goulash is a simpler, heartier dish made with ground beef, macaroni pasta, and a tomato-based sauce.
It’s deeply rooted in American home cooking tradition, often passed down from grandmothers who knew how to stretch ingredients and feed a crowd. This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: filling, flavorful, easy to make, and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your evening.
- Budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable pantry staples.
- Kid-approved: The mild, beefy tomato flavor is a universal crowd-pleaser.
- Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day as leftovers.
- Ready in 45 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite vegetables or spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe serves 6 people and uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for best flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, for about 6–8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, but leave a small amount for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes — this step is important as it deepens the tomato flavor. Then add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4: Season the Dish
Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once the sauce is boiling, add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
Step 6: Final Taste and Serve
Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best American Goulash
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the macaroni cooks directly in the sauce, keep a close eye on it to prevent it from becoming mushy. Stir frequently.
- Use good quality beef broth: This adds a rich, deep flavor to the sauce. Homemade or low-sodium broth works best.
- Toast the tomato paste: Cooking the tomato paste for a couple of minutes before adding the liquids caramelizes it slightly, adding a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Add Worcestershire and soy sauce: These two ingredients are the secret weapons in this recipe. They add umami depth that elevates the dish beyond a simple tomato sauce.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the goulash sit for 5 minutes before serving. It will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the very end for an extra-rich, creamy version.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil since these leaner meats have less fat.
- Italian sausage: Replace half (or all) of the ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicy, flavorful twist.
- Vegetarian version: Omit the meat and add 1 can of kidney beans or black beans, plus extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
Pasta Options
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can also use:
- Small shells
- Rotini
- Ditalini
- Cavatappi
Note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape you choose.
Vegetable Add-Ins
This recipe is very forgiving when it comes to adding extra vegetables:
- Zucchini, diced
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Corn kernels
- Celery, diced
- Carrots, diced (add with onions for extra cook time)
Spice Variations
- Spicy version: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions.
- Smoked flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Mexican-inspired: Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and a pinch of chili powder for a Tex-Mex spin.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerating
Store leftover American Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Note that the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so the leftovers will be thicker. When reheating, simply add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the consistency.
Freezing
American Goulash freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the pasta if you plan to make it ahead. Cooked pasta can become mushy when frozen and thawed. However, if you’ve already made the full dish, it can still be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container — just be aware that the pasta texture will be softer after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little liquid as needed. You can also microwave individual portions in 90-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
What to Serve with American Goulash
American Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread: Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
- Simple green salad: A light salad balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or corn on the side work great.
- Dinner rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are a classic accompaniment.
- Coleslaw: The cool, creamy texture contrasts nicely with the warm goulash.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between American Goulash and Hungarian Goulash?
Hungarian Goulash is a traditional European stew made with chunks of beef, onions, paprika, and often root vegetables. It is slow-cooked and served over egg noodles or with bread. American Goulash, on the other hand, is a quicker, more casual dish made with ground beef, macaroni pasta, and a tomato-based sauce. The two dishes share a name but are quite different in flavor, technique, and ingredients.
Can I make American Goulash ahead of time?
Yes! American Goulash is actually a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the pasta fresh to avoid it becoming mushy.
Why is my goulash too thick or too thin?
If your goulash is too thick, simply add more beef broth or water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered over medium heat for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Slow Cooker: Brown the meat first on the stovetop, then transfer everything (except the pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Add the dry pasta in the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, cover, and cook until tender.
Instant Pot: Use the Sauté function to brown the meat and cook the vegetables. Add all ingredients except the pasta, then lock the lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release the pressure, stir in the pasta, and cook on Sauté mode until the pasta is tender, about 8–10 minutes.
Is American Goulash the same as American Chop Suey?
Yes! In New England, particularly in Massachusetts and other northeastern states, this dish is commonly called American Chop Suey. In the Midwest and South, it’s typically called American Goulash. They are essentially the same dish with regional name variations.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 6 servings without cheese topping:
- Calories: approximately 480 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
American Goulash is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It’s simple, satisfying, and made entirely in one pot — which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family of six, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a bowl of old-fashioned comfort food, this recipe delivers every single time.
The combination of juicy ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and that deeply savory tomato sauce is something truly special. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it has been a staple on American dinner tables for decades.
Give this recipe a try tonight and experience the warm, hearty goodness of homemade American Goulash. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out for your family!