Quick and satisfying, this American Goulash Recipe combines ground beef, pasta, and peppers for a comforting one-pot meal.
author’s note
The Dinner Everyone Begs For Seconds Of!
I remember the first time I made this for my kids. I had ground beef in the fridge, pasta in the pantry, and not much energy to cook. All I did was throw everything in one pot, let it simmer while I cleaned up, and by the time dinner was ready, the whole house smelled amazing.
The kids went back for seconds, which is always the real test in my house. Since then, it’s been one of my straightforward weeknight go-tos (along with this chicken tortilla soup). I’ll switch up the pasta, sneak in some extra veggies, or change the cheese depending on what I’ve got on hand.
Quick Tip
Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta for American Goulash. If you’d like to experiment with different pasta shapes, opt for varieties that are thick and relatively small, such as small shells, ziti, or penne – they all work well.
Goulash Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swap / Tip |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Swap for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat |
| Onion & Bell Pepper | Skip if you’re short on time, or use frozen diced onions/peppers |
| Garlic | Use garlic powder if fresh isn’t on hand |
| Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes | Fire-roasted tomatoes = more flavor |
| Elbow Macaroni | Any short pasta works (penne, rotini, shells) |
| Cheese | Cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack all work great |
How To Make This American Goulash Recipe
- Brown the beef with onion, pepper, and garlic.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings and bring to a simmer.
- mix in the pasta and cook right in the sauce until tender.
- Finish with cheese for a creamy, melty finish.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Featured Comment
“This was outstanding, and simple to prepare. This recipe cant get any better than it already is if you follow it, I guarantee your family will be asking for more. You nailed it. Thanks for sharing.”
– Stephanie
chelsea’s recipe tip
American Goulash Recipe Tips
- Use quality tomatoes: San Marzano or Muir Glen fire-roasted, or swap in 15 oz Rao’s marinara for richer flavor.
- Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Salt pasta water: Since the sauce is salty, season the pasta water well.
- Sauté seasonings first: Cooking them with the meat and veggies boosts flavor.
- skippable simmer: Let the sauce cook 30–45 minutes for deeper flavor.
Storage
- Fridge: Store this American goulash recipe in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
More Ground Beef Recipes:
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Taco Pasta Recipe
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Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps
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Ground Beef RamenVariations
- Cheese: Mix mozzarella and cheddar for a cheesier option. Lactose intolerant? Enjoy without cheese!
- Extra Veggies: Enhance with frozen corn, carrots, or mushrooms. Add spinach at the end.
- Beans: Transform into chili mac with chili or kidney beans.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle diced Italian parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
