Name: American Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.22); 1 yellow onion, diced ($0.70); 4 cloves garlic, minced ($0.16); 2 bell peppers, diced ($1.72); 1 lb ground beef ($4.98); 1/2 cup red wine ($0.72); 1 28oz. can diced tomatoes ($1.63); 1 15oz. can tomato sauce ($1.06); 2 Tbsp soy sauce ($0.05); 2 whole bay leaves (optional, $0.30); 1/2 tsp dried oregano ($0.05); 1/2 tsp dried basil ($0.05); 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper ($0.02); 1/2 cup water ($0.00); 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 1/2 lb) ($0.59); Salt to taste ($0.05)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 12 reviews

If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this American Goulash Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Classic and simple, this dish combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce that’s enhanced with a splash of red wine and a pinch of herbs. It’s a colorful, flavorful bowl of nostalgia that’s unbelievably easy to make yet deeply satisfying, bringing a little bit of home to your table with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows all ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are two white bowls filled with tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, placed on the left side. Below them is a white tray holding pink ground meat. Towards the center, a clear measuring cup with water and a whole white garlic bulb are visible, alongside two dried bay leaves. To the right, a whole yellow onion and two green bell peppers sit side by side. Smaller glass bowls hold a dark liquid sauce and a mix of dry spices, with a measuring cup of macaroni pasta and another measuring cup of dark liquid placed nearby. The composition is clean and bright, with everything clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this American Goulash Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: aromatic veggies for depth, ground beef for savory richness, and the elbow macaroni that delivers the perfect chewy texture. Together, they create a dish that’s as balanced as it is delicious.

Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base for sautéing the vegetables, ensuring everything cooks evenly without sticking.
Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and a fragrant foundation to the sauce when caramelized.
Garlic cloves: Infuses that signature punch and warmth that builds the flavor profile.
Bell peppers: Add a subtle crunch and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
Ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty richness that makes the goulash satisfying and filling.
Red wine: Lifts the sauce with a slight acidity and complexity, helping all the flavors meld beautifully.
Diced tomatoes (28 oz. can): The juicy, tangy base for the sauce that gives it body and moisture.
Tomato sauce (15 oz. can): Thickens the sauce for a luscious consistency.
Soy sauce: Surprising but brilliant, it deepens the umami notes without overpowering the dish.
Bay leaves: Add subtle herbal undertones, elevating the overall aroma and flavor.
Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that complement the tomato base perfectly.
Crushed red pepper: Just a hint of heat to keep things interesting.
Water: Balances the sauce, ensuring the pasta cooks thoroughly as it simmers.
Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Salt: Enhances every flavor, making sure each bite is perfectly seasoned.

How to Make American Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics and Veggies

Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Heat your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat and add the onion and garlic, cooking them until the onion turns translucent and aromatic—this creates the flavorful base your goulash needs. Then, dice your bell peppers and toss them in, letting them soften for a couple of minutes to blend their sweetness with the other aromatics.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Deglaze

Next, add the ground beef straight into the pot. Sauté it with the veggies over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and beautifully browned. This browning develops flavor through caramelization, which is crucial here. When the beef is ready, pour in the red wine to deglaze the pot—this means scraping the bottom to lift all those tasty browned bits into your sauce for an intense flavor boost.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Let It Simmer

Now, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Toss in your bay leaves, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper, then add half a cup of water. Stir everything to combine, cover the pot, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so the sauce thickens and all those luscious flavors have time to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni in the Sauce

After the sauce has had its flavorful moment, stir in the elbow macaroni. Keep the pot covered and let the pasta simmer right in the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the macaroni is tender but not mushy—about 10 to 12 minutes. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce means it absorbs all those rich flavors, making each bite irresistible.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Once your macaroni is perfectly tender, taste your goulash and add salt as needed to balance the flavors. Don’t forget to fish out those bay leaves—they’ve done their job but aren’t meant to be eaten. Now it’s time to dish up this comforting classic and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

How to Serve American Goulash Recipe

Two white bowls are filled with a rich macaroni pasta dish layered with small elbow-shaped pasta, ground meat, diced green bell peppers, onions, and chunks of red tomatoes, all mixed in a thick brownish-red sauce with visible seasoning. The bowls sit on a light tan surface, surrounded by two pieces of crusty bread on the left, a bunch of fresh green parsley on the top right, and a striped white and black cloth napkin underneath two silver forks on the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a garnish is a small detail that can elevate your American Goulash Recipe into something truly special. Consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Not only do they enhance the color, but they add a fresh or creamy contrast that delights the palate with every forkful.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread is a classic combo that never fails. A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing or steamed green beans brings a refreshing balance to the rich and savory goulash.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests or family? Serve your American Goulash Recipe in individual bowls topped with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and tang. Or, plate it alongside roasted veggies for a colorful, balanced meal. These simple touches make your table feel festive and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about this American Goulash Recipe is that it tastes fantastic even as leftovers. Simply transfer any remaining goulash to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days.

Freezing

If you want to keep your American Goulash Recipe longer than a few days, freezing works like a charm. Cool the goulash completely and place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If the goulash has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and bring it back to that perfect comforting consistency you fell in love with.

FAQs

Can I make this American Goulash Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein, like lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of water or wine. The seasonings still shine, making it a delicious meat-free alternative.

What type of wine is best for this recipe?

You can use any dry red wine you enjoy drinking, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The wine adds depth, but it’s subtle, so there’s no need for anything fancy.

Is it okay to substitute a different pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work wonderfully too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the pasta you choose.

Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies on the stove first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, adding the pasta during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.

How spicy is this American Goulash Recipe?

The recipe includes just a touch of crushed red pepper for mild heat, so it’s not very spicy. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste, either leaving it out or adding more for a kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope after reading this, you’re as excited as I am to dive into this classic American Goulash Recipe. It’s a heartwarming, family-friendly meal that feels like home in every spoonful. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with simple ingredients. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

American Goulash Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need