The Ultimate Comfort Food – American Goulash!

A hearty, one-pot wonder that’s as easy as it is delicious! American Goulash is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out—tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, savory tomato sauce all come together in a single pot for the ultimate cozy dinner. Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver that’s guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds. Bonus? Less cleanup and more time to enjoy!

Classic American Goulash

A hearty, one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for chilly days. This old-fashioned American goulash is simple, comforting, and sure to be a family favorite!

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Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: American Goulash

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 50

Total Time: 1

Servings:

Calories: 564kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups water
1 tbsp beef base or bouillon
2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cans (15 oz) diced tomatoes (one petite diced)
3 bay leaves
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp seasoned salt
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh Italian parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Brown the Beef

In a large stockpot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
Remove from the pot, drain excess grease, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Goulash

Return the ground beef to the pot.
Add water, beef base, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, bay leaves, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
Stir to combine, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Cook the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
Cover and let simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente.

Finish & Serve

Remove bay leaves.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Worcestershire sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

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For American Goulash

Ground Beef – The base of this dish, adding rich, hearty flavor.
Onion – Diced and sautéed for a savory depth.
Garlic – Freshly minced for a boost of aromatic flavor.
Water & Beef Base – Adds moisture and enhances the beefy taste.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes – Provides the classic tangy tomato base.
Bay Leaves – Infuses the dish with subtle, earthy undertones.
Soy Sauce – Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
Seasoned Salt – A flavorful blend to enhance the dish.
Italian Seasoning – A mix of herbs for that perfect balance of flavors.
Paprika – Adds warmth and a mild smokiness.
Black Pepper – Just a touch for extra seasoning.
Elbow Macaroni – The essential pasta that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
Cheddar Cheese – Melted in at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Fresh Parsley – A garnish for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Enjoy this warm, comforting meal with your favorite side salad or a slice of crusty bread!