American Goulash Recipe

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of American Goulash with this easy and flavorful recipe. Picture yourself sitting down to a steaming bowl of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a perfectly seasoned tomato-based sauce—all coming together to create a deliciously satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving a hearty dinner for the family or looking for a classic comfort food recipe, this American Goulash is sure to hit the spot.

What is American Goulash?

American Goulash, also known as American Chop Suey, is a hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that originated in the United States. It is a comfort food classic that has been enjoyed by generations. This dish typically combines ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and various seasonings to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

American Goulash is often compared to Hungarian goulash, but the two dishes are quite different. While Hungarian goulash is a stew-like dish with chunks of meat and vegetables, American Goulash is more like a pasta dish with ground meat and a tomato-based sauce. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences.

American Goulash Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Hungarian

Servings 4 People

Calories 534 kcal

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of American Goulash with this easy and flavorful recipe.

Kitchen equipment list

• 1 Cast Iron Skillet

Ingredients

  

123

• ▢ 1 lb Ground beef
• ▢ 1 Onion, finely chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic minced
• ▢ 2 cups Elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
• ▢ 1 can (14.5 ounces) Diced tomatoes
• ▢ 1 can (8 ounces) Tomato sauce
• ▢ 1 can (6 ounces) Tomato paste
• ▢ 2 cups Beef broth
• ▢ 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ▢ 1 tsp Paprika
• ▢ 1 tsp Sugar
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Break up the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
• Add the beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate the seasonings into the sauce.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
• After the sauce has simmered for 15 minutes, add the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce.
• Cover the pot again and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and tender.
• Taste the goulash and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste.
• Once the goulash is ready, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop further.
• Serve the American Goulash hot in bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

❋ Kitchen Chaos Unlocked Tips

Tips for Making the Perfect American Goulash

• Use lean ground beef to minimize excess fat in the dish.
• Sauté the onions and garlic before adding the sauce to enhance their flavors.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste preferences.
• For a creamier goulash, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
• Leftover goulash can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for future meals.

Nutrition

Serving: 498 gCalories: 534 kcalCarbohydrates: 52 gProtein: 38 gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2 gMonounsaturated Fat: 8 gCholesterol: 90 mgSodium: 2222 mgSugar: 8.9 g

Keyword American Goulash, Goulash

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Variations of American Goulash

American Goulash is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Cheesy Goulash: Add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to the goulash during the last few minutes of cooking. Stir until the cheese is melted and gooey.
2. Vegetarian Goulash: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
3. Spicy Goulash: Add a kick of heat by incorporating chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños into the sauce.
4. Goulash with Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding diced carrots, peas, corn, or any other vegetables of your choice.

Serving Suggestions for American Goulash

American Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience by pairing it with these delicious accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm slices of garlic bread on the side to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Green Salad: Balance out the richness of the goulash with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition.
• Cornbread: Enjoy a slice of homemade cornbread alongside your goulash for a comforting and satisfying meal.

History and Origin of American Goulash

American Goulash has a fascinating history that reflects the diverse culinary influences in the United States. While the exact origin of American Goulash is unclear, it is believed to have been inspired by Hungarian immigrants who settled in America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These immigrants brought their traditional Hungarian goulash recipes with them, but due to the availability of different ingredients in America, the dish evolved into what is now known as American Goulash. The addition of pasta and tomatoes, which are staples in American cuisine, resulted in a distinct variation of the original Hungarian dish.

Over time, American Goulash became popular as a budget-friendly and filling meal for families. It gained widespread popularity during the mid-20th century and has remained a beloved comfort food ever since.

Health Benefits of American Goulash

While American Goulash is undeniably delicious, it can also offer some health benefits when prepared with nutritious ingredients. Here are a few benefits:

• Protein: The ground beef in American Goulash is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
• Carbohydrates: The pasta in the goulash provides a healthy dose of carbohydrates, which are the body’s main source of energy.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes, onions, and garlic used in the dish are rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
• Fiber: If you add vegetables to your goulash, you’ll also benefit from the fiber content, which aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut.

Frequently Asked Questions about American Goulash

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta in American Goulash?

A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rotini, or even egg noodles work well in this dish.

Q: Can I make American Goulash in advance?

A: Yes, American Goulash can be made in advance and reheated when needed. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Q: Can I freeze American Goulash?

A: Yes, American Goulash can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I make American Goulash in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic before transferring everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, then add the cooked pasta and let it cook for another 30 minutes.

In conclusion, American Goulash is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the best of American cuisine. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal for the family or looking to recreate some nostalgic memories, this easy and delicious recipe is sure to satisfy. With its rich and savory flavors, tender pasta, and perfectly seasoned sauce, American Goulash is a classic comfort food that will never go out of style. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with warmth and deliciousness.