When it comes to hearty, family-friendly meals, few dishes can compete with a classic Goulash recipe. This American-style Goulash brings together savory ground beef, macaroni noodles, and a rich, tomato-based sauce for a meal that’s easy to prepare, filling, and packed with flavor. Ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, this recipe can be whipped up in around 30 minutes and serves a crowd with generous portions. Below, we guide you through each step to make this delicious comfort food at home.
Ingredients Needed for Classic Goulash
To make this traditional American Goulash recipe, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients that are both affordable and accessible. Gather the following:
- Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
- Onion – 1 cup, diced (preferably white or yellow for sweetness)
- Green Bell Pepper – 1, diced (red, yellow, or orange peppers work, too)
- Ground Beef – 2 lbs, lean (85% lean preferred for flavor without excess grease)
- Garlic – 3 tsp, minced
- Tomato Sauce – 2 cans (15 oz each)
- Petite Diced Tomatoes – 2 cans (15 oz each)
- Beef Broth – 3 cups (for depth in flavor and consistency)
- Worcestershire Sauce – 3 tbsp (adds a touch of umami)
- Seasoned Salt – 2 tsp
- Italian Seasoning – 2 tbsp (a mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
- Bay Leaves – 3 (infuses a unique, subtle depth)
- Macaroni Noodles – 2 cups, uncooked (use elbow macaroni or any small pasta)
- Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup, shredded (for a creamy, comforting finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Goulash
1. Preparing the Base of the Goulash
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper; sauté until the vegetables are softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. These vegetables add both flavor and a little texture to the goulash.
Add ground beef to the pot, cooking and breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure that the beef is fully cooked before moving to the next step. Once browned, drain any excess fat to prevent an oily texture in your dish.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic brings a robust, savory flavor to the base.
2. Adding the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Pour in the tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes, stirring them into the cooked beef and vegetable mixture. Next, add the beef broth to create a slightly soupy consistency that the pasta will absorb as it cooks.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, which adds a distinct tang and depth, followed by seasoned salt and Italian seasoning for a boost of flavor. Finally, drop in the bay leaves for an aromatic, earthy note.
3. Incorporating the Macaroni Noodles
Add the macaroni noodles to the pot, stirring them well into the sauce to ensure they’re fully submerged. The pasta will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing the rich tomato and beef broth flavors.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the dish to simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check for doneness, especially if your noodles are nearing the cooking time.
4. Finishing Touches: Adding Cheddar Cheese
Once the macaroni is tender, remove the bay leaves and discard. For a creamy, comforting finish, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish. The cheese adds a smooth, velvety texture and a hint of richness to each bite.
