One-Pot American Goulash

Oh, you guys! If there’s one dish that instantly transports me back to my childhood kitchen, it’s a big, steaming pot of American Goulash. Seriously, just the smell of it simmering on the stove brings a smile to my face. It’s the kind of hearty, hug-in-a-bowl comfort food that every family needs in their repertoire. My mom used to whip this up on chilly weeknights, and it always felt like a special treat, even though it’s deceptively simple.

This isn’t your fancy, European goulash; this is pure, unadulterated American Goulash magic. It’s got that irresistible combination of savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, tomatoey sauce that just sticks to your ribs in the best possible way. The absolute best part? It’s all cooked in ONE pot! Yes, you heard me right – one pot! That means less cleanup, which is always a win in my book. Trust me, if you’re looking for a satisfying, easy, and incredibly delicious meal that the whole family will devour, this American Goulash recipe is about to become your new best friend.

Why You’ll Love This American Goulash

Okay, so why should this American Goulash be your next go-to meal? Let me count the ways! It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when you just need something delicious on the table without a fuss. The flavors are so rich and satisfying, you’ll swear it took hours. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, kid-approved, and budget-friendly. What’s not to love?

• One-pot wonder: Seriously, minimal dishes!
• Hearty & flavorful: Pure comfort in every bite.
• Family favorite: Everyone will ask for seconds.
• Quick & easy: Dinner on the table in under an hour.

The Comfort of American Goulash

There’s just something about a big bowl of American Goulash that feels like a warm hug. It’s that nostalgic taste of home, simple yet so profoundly satisfying. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a feeling. It brings people together around the table, reminding us of those easy, fulfilling meals that truly nourish the soul.

Essential Ingredients for American Goulash

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need anything fancy for this American Goulash, just good, honest kitchen staples. Here’s exactly what you’ll want to grab to make this magic happen:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (the leaner, the better for less draining!)
• 1 large onion, nicely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, all minced up and ready to go
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce – just plain old tomato sauce!
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, and don’t drain them! We need that juicy goodness.
• 2 cups beef broth (I always keep some on hand!)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – a little secret for depth!
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (your pantry hero!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked – the classic choice!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (totally optional, but seriously, do it!)

Key Components of American Goulash

Each ingredient in this American Goulash plays a super important role. The ground beef brings that hearty, savory base we all crave. The elbow macaroni soaks up all the delicious flavors, becoming tender and comforting. And the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes? They create that rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that truly defines classic American Goulash. It’s a perfect flavor dance!

How to Prepare Your American Goulash

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making this incredible American Goulash! Don’t be intimidated; it’s honestly so straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbling pot of deliciousness ready in no time. I promise, even if you’re a kitchen newbie, you can totally nail this. We’re going for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, just like my mom always did!

First things first, get your biggest, heaviest pot or Dutch oven out. This is a one-pot meal, so we need some real estate! Heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, in goes the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks until it’s beautifully browned. Don’t rush this step; good browning equals good flavor! Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat. We want flavor, not grease, in our American Goulash.

Next up, toss in your chopped onion. Let it cook down for about 5 minutes until it’s softened and translucent – that’s when you know it’s ready. Then, add your minced garlic. Oh, the smell! Cook it for just about a minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, or it’ll get bitter. Now for the sauce: stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained, remember!), beef broth, that secret weapon Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Finally, add the uncooked elbow macaroni right into the pot. Stir it well to make sure every piece is submerged in that yummy sauce. Reduce the heat to low, pop the lid on, and let it do its thing for 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to stir it occasionally, maybe every 5 minutes, to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom. Once the macaroni is tender and most of that glorious liquid has been absorbed, you’re golden! Take it off the heat, and if you’re feeling fancy (and I highly recommend it!), sprinkle with some shredded cheddar cheese, cover it for a few minutes to melt, and then dive into your perfect American Goulash!

Step-by-Step American Goulash Cooking Guide

Let’s break down the cooking process for our American Goulash into easy, manageable steps. You’ll see how quickly this comes together, transforming simple ingredients into a truly satisfying meal.

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat, optionally top with cheese, and serve hot.

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

This is where so much of the flavor for your American Goulash starts! You want a nice, even brown on your ground beef – don’t overcrowd the pot, or it’ll steam instead of brown. Break it up well as it cooks, then drain off that fat. Next, the onion gets a gentle sauté until it’s soft and sweet, followed by the garlic. Just a minute for the garlic, folks, to release its amazing aroma without burning!

Simmering the Sauce and Macaroni

Once the beef and aromatics are done, it’s sauce time! Pour in all those wonderful liquids and seasonings. Bring it to a nice, gentle simmer. That’s when you add the macaroni. Don’t worry, it’ll cook right in the sauce! Just give it a good stir, cover, and let it bubble away on low heat. Stirring every now and then is key to preventing sticking and ensuring every piece of macaroni gets perfectly cooked in that rich American Goulash sauce.

Tips for a Perfect American Goulash

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but I’ve got a few extra tricks up my sleeve to make your American Goulash go from great to absolutely *unforgettable*. Trust me, these little details make all the difference! First, don’t skimp on draining the beef; nobody wants greasy goulash. Also, when you’re simmering, make sure to stir occasionally, especially towards the end, to prevent that macaroni from sticking to the bottom. A little attention here goes a long way!

Another thing: taste as you go! Before you add the macaroni, give that sauce a little sample. Need more salt? A pinch more Italian seasoning? Your taste buds are your best guide. And seriously, don’t rush the simmer. That low, slow cook is what lets all those flavors meld together beautifully, giving you that rich, deep American Goulash taste.

Enhancing Your American Goulash Experience

Want to kick your American Goulash up a notch? Try tossing in a bay leaf with the sauce while it simmers – just remember to pull it out before serving! If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a fantastic zing. And for a fresh touch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dollop of sour cream on top just before serving is divine!

American Goulash Storage and Reheating

So, you’ve got some glorious leftover American Goulash? Lucky you! This dish is actually fantastic the next day, and sometimes even better once the flavors have had more time to hang out. To store it, just let your goulash cool down completely (don’t leave it out for hours, though!). Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll be perfectly good for 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, my favorite way is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up, as the macaroni can really soak up that sauce overnight. Stir it occasionally until it’s heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the stovetop method really helps maintain that lovely creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Goulash

Okay, I get a lot of questions about this American Goulash recipe, and I love that you guys are so engaged! Here are some of the most common ones I hear, with my best answers to help you make this dish absolutely perfect every single time.

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

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for American Goulash and gives it that nostalgic feel, you can definitely experiment. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rotini would work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta shape and thickness. Always check for tenderness before serving!

How can I make this American Goulash spicier?

If you love a little kick in your American Goulash, it’s super easy to spice things up! My favorite way is to add a pinch (or two, or three!) of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning. You could also try a dash of your favorite hot sauce after it’s cooked, or even a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of plain diced tomatoes. Just remember to taste as you go so you don’t overdo it!

Is American Goulash freezer-friendly?

Yes, it totally is! American Goulash freezes quite well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before you put it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water if needed to get that perfect consistency back.

Estimated American Goulash Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up about the nutritional info for this American Goulash! While I’ve included estimates for things like calories, fat, protein, and carbs, please remember that these can totally vary. It all depends on the specific brands you use for your ingredients, how much you drain the beef, and even how big your “servings” end up being. Think of these as a helpful guide, not a strict rule!

Share Your American Goulash Story

Well, there you have it, my friends! My go-to, tried-and-true American Goulash recipe. I absolutely adore this dish, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Seriously, once you make it, come back here and tell me all about it! Did your family love it? Did you add your own little twist? Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or even better, snap a photo and share your American Goulash on social media! Tag me, I’d love to see your creations! For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, you can also check out Pinch of Yum.

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