Classic American Goulash Recipe with Beef and Tomato Sauce

Enjoy this Easy American Goulash Recipe, a 30-minute dinner built around seasoned ground beef, hearty vegetables, elbow macaroni, and tomato sauce, finished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Why We Love This Goulash Recipe

• Classic comfort: Ground beef and pasta combine into a familiar, satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
• One-pot simplicity: Everything cooks in a single pot for easy prep and minimal cleanup.
• Flexible protein: Swap the beef for ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a plant-based substitute.
• Serves many ways: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or warm bread.

What Is American Goulash?

American goulash is a hearty, pasta-forward dish distinct from Hungarian goulash. While both use beef, onions, and paprika, Hungarian goulash is more of a stew or soup. American goulash adds elbow macaroni and tomatoes, making it a thicker, pasta-style dinner that’s quick and comforting.

Recipe Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Or substitute a neutral vegetable oil or butter for sautéing.
• Yellow onion: You can use white onion if preferred.
• Lean ground beef: Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or plant-based crumbles also work.
• Garlic, minced: Use fresh minced garlic, or garlic powder/jarred garlic in a pinch.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika or mild chili powder will add a similar warm flavor.
• Dried oregano: Dried basil or Italian seasoning are acceptable substitutes.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste.
• Canned diced tomatoes, undrained: Fresh tomatoes or tomato puree can be used with slight texture changes.
• Tomato sauce: Canned crushed tomatoes or diluted tomato paste work as alternatives.
• Beef broth: Use chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
• Elbow macaroni: Any small pasta shape or a gluten-free alternative is fine.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Romano or Asiago are suitable substitutes for topping.

How to Make American Goulash

1. Heat the oil and cook the onion: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Coarsely chop 1 cup yellow onion and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Brown the beef: Add 1 pound lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook 5–6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
3. Add the seasonings: Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix well.
4. Combine tomatoes and broth: Pour in a 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained), 8 ounces tomato sauce, and 1½ cups beef broth. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 4 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Add the pasta: Stir in 1¼ cups elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender to your liking.
6. Rest and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Adjust sauce thickness: Simmer the sauce longer before adding pasta for a thicker result; shorten the simmer for a looser sauce.
• Taste and adjust: Sample the sauce before adding the noodles and adjust salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.
• Pasta swaps: Any small pasta shape works: shells, small penne, or gluten-free options are all fine.
• More cheese: Add extra Parmesan or switch to cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This goulash is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs nicely with a crisp cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, or simple green beans. Warm dinner rolls or biscuits make a classic, comforting accompaniment.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
• To freeze, omit the pasta: simmer and cool the sauce, freeze it up to 2 months, and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
• Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

More Pasta Dinner Ideas

• Creamy shrimp Alfredo-style pasta
• One-pot jambalaya pasta
• Lasagna-stuffed pasta shells
• Seafood mac and cheese
• Chicken bacon ranch pasta