Old-Fashioned American Goulash(American Style) Recipe

A hearty, one-pot comfort food classic! Tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce simmer together for a nostalgic meal that’s ready in under 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 mins
Calories: ~400 per serving | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth (or water)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef & Aromatics

• In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
• Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

2. Build the Sauce

• Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
• Season with basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.

3. Cook the Pasta

• Add elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir, cover, and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.

4. Serve

• Remove from heat. Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Tips for Success

• Pasta swaps: Use shells, rotini, or penne instead of elbow macaroni.
• Extra veggies: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms with the onions.
• Cheesy upgrade: Stir in ½ cup cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Thicker sauce: Let the goulash sit uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Turkey twist: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.
• Italian flair: Mix in 1 tsp Italian seasoning or fresh basil.

Storage

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.

Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete comfort-food meal!