American Goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort food classic, combining ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please the whole family.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, minced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika (optional)
2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
2 cups low-sodium beef broth (or water)
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onions and sauté for 5–6 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the bell pepper and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Reduce heat to medium and stir in the salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer, add the bay leaves, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the beef broth and elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked al dente, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 661 kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 1114mg
Potassium: 587mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 830 IU
Vitamin C: 15.1 mg
Calcium: 261 mg
Iron: 3.7 mg

The History Behind American Goulash

While the name “goulash” may bring to mind the Hungarian stew made with beef, paprika, and vegetables, American Goulash is a distinctly different dish with its own evolution. The Hungarian version of goulash has been around for centuries and is a rich, hearty stew that originated in Central Europe. However, the American version of goulash, also known as “American Chop Suey,” has its own story.

The origins of American Goulash date back to the early 20th century. This dish was born out of necessity, providing an affordable, filling, and easy-to-make meal for large families. During times of economic hardship, particularly in the Great Depression, people needed meals that could feed many mouths without breaking the bank. American Goulash was the perfect solution, using ground beef (a relatively inexpensive protein) and pasta, both of which could be stretched to feed a family.

As it gained popularity, American Goulash began appearing in cookbooks and on dinner tables across the country. It’s often described as a “dump-and-stir” meal, meaning that you can toss everything into a pot, let it simmer, and have a meal ready in no time. This simplicity, along with its hearty and flavorful taste, is what has made American Goulash a timeless favorite in American kitchens.

What Makes American Goulash So Special?

At its core, American Goulash is a simple dish that combines pasta, ground beef, and a tomato-based sauce. However, it’s the combination of these ingredients that creates a hearty, flavorful meal that’s comforting and filling. The rich tomato sauce blends perfectly with the spices and the savory ground beef, while the elbow macaroni provides the perfect texture to round out the dish.

What makes American Goulash particularly special is its versatility. The base ingredients – ground beef, pasta, and tomatoes – can easily be adapted to suit your taste. You can add in vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to enhance the flavor. Some variations even incorporate cheese, which melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Whether you prefer a spicier version with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes or a milder, more traditional version, American Goulash can be customized to suit anyone’s palate.

The Ingredients That Define American Goulash

The key to a great American Goulash lies in its ingredients. While the recipe can be modified, there are a few staple ingredients that define this dish:

Ground Beef: Ground beef is the primary protein in American Goulash. It adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish and creates a satisfying, meaty texture. Depending on your preferences, you can use lean ground beef or a higher-fat option for a juicier result.
Elbow Macaroni: The pasta is an essential part of the dish. Elbow macaroni is the most commonly used pasta for American Goulash, as it absorbs the sauce well and provides a comforting, chewy texture.
Tomatoes: Whether using tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, or a combination of both, tomatoes provide the base of the sauce. Their tangy flavor balances the richness of the beef and adds depth to the overall dish.
Seasonings: A variety of seasonings are typically added to American Goulash to give it flavor. Common seasonings include garlic, onion, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. These spices add a warm, savory complexity to the dish.
Cheese (Optional): Many variations of American Goulash incorporate shredded cheese, typically cheddar, which melts into the dish, creating a creamy texture and additional flavor.

How to Customize American Goulash

One of the reasons why American Goulash is so popular is its versatility. The basic recipe is very flexible, allowing for many different variations to suit individual tastes. Here are some ways to customize your American Goulash:

Vegetarian Version: For a meat-free option, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein sources, such as lentils, tofu, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. You can also add more vegetables, like zucchini, carrots, or spinach, to make the dish heartier.
Spicy Goulash: If you love heat, add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or even diced jalapeños to give the dish a spicy kick. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier flavor profile.
Cheesy Goulash: For a cheesy twist, mix in extra cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, into the dish during the last few minutes of cooking. You can even top the dish with cheese and bake it in the oven for a cheesy, crispy topping.
Gluten-Free Goulash: To make the dish gluten-free, simply swap out the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. There are many gluten-free pasta options available today that will work just as well in this recipe.
Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Goulash: For an easier, hands-off approach, you can prepare American Goulash in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Simply brown the meat and add all the ingredients to your slow cooker or Instant Pot, letting it cook low and slow for a couple of hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, flavorful goulash with minimal effort.

Why American Goulash is Perfect for Families

American Goulash is the perfect meal for families, particularly those with young children. The dish is easy to make, requires minimal preparation, and can be customized to suit a variety of dietary preferences. It’s a great option for busy parents who want to serve a homemade, wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Moreover, American Goulash is affordable, making it an ideal choice for families on a budget. The ingredients are inexpensive, and the dish can be made in large batches, meaning there’s plenty to feed everyone, with leftovers for the next day. This makes it a great meal for meal prepping, allowing families to enjoy a quick, easy meal throughout the week.

American Goulash in Popular Culture

American Goulash is a beloved dish, and its popularity has spread far beyond the home kitchen. It’s often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and community events, where its comforting, familiar flavors are sure to please a crowd. In fact, it’s so popular in American culture that it even has its own variations in different regions.

In some parts of the U.S., particularly the Northeast, it’s called “American Chop Suey,” while in other regions, it’s simply referred to as “goulash.” Despite the name variations, the dish remains a beloved and timeless comfort food.

Conclusion

American Goulash is a classic comfort food dish that has stood the test of time. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s no wonder that this one-pot meal has become a family favorite across the country. Whether you stick to the traditional version or try your own variations, American Goulash is a dish that’s sure to satisfy.

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