Classic American Goulash is an easy pasta dinner made in one pot and ready in just an hour! Quick comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights!
If you’re looking for hearty comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like a big bowl of meaty, saucy pasta. From Chili Mac to Beef Stroganoff to this classic Goulash, I have so many delicious comforting Pasta Recipes you are going to love!
Sabrina’s Classic American Goulash Recipe
American Goulash is one of those old fashioned recipes I keep in my back pocket for nights I need dinner quickly and I don’t want to worry about clean up. It’s one of those “what is in the fridge and pantry” pasta dishes made in one pot and ready in about an hour. And it’s so good, even my fussier eaters want seconds. Plus, this one pot dish can make a lot of servings, especially with sides, which makes it a terrific option for potlucks!
Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef , (85/15)
- 2 yellow onions , chopped
- 1 green bell pepper , chopped
- 4 cloves garlic , chopped
- 3 cups water
- 29 ounces tomato sauce
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni , uncooked
Instructions
- Add the ground beef, onions, bell peppers and garlic to a large dutch oven on medium-high heat and cook it breaking it apart until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain most of the fat then add in the remaining ingredients except the macaroni, bring to a boil then reduce to a low heat and simmer with a cover on for 15 minutes.
- Add in the macaroni, mix well then cover and simmer an additional 20 minutes, stirring occasionally before serving.
Nutrition
Want to save this recipe? Create a free account to easily save your favorite recipes
Chef’s Note
If you want a thicken sauce whisk 1-2 tablespoons of all purpose flour into the onions when they’re cooking, to make a roux. I wouldn’t add more than two tablespoons of flour, or the sauce may get too thick. If that happens, you can add a small amount of broth as well. Additionally, if your sauce is too thin, you can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth. Stir the slurry into the pot and let it simmer for a few minutes until it’s thicker. You could also add some shredded cheese.
Table of contents
About this Recipe
My basic recipe is made with ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and macaroni noodles in a seasoned tomato sauce. But it is super easy to change it up with substitutions or additions. Load it up with veggies, change up the spices, make it vegetarian, etc. I included a big list of Variation ideas, but if you have some suggestions, drop them in the comments below!
What is American Goulash?
American goulash refers to a traditional mid-west dish made with really simple ingredients like pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and onion. It is different from Hungarian Goulash because the Hungarian version is more like a stew made with ground meat, paprika, and sometimes additional vegetables and potatoes. Hungarian goulash is also referred to as Gulyas which roughly translates to “cattle herders”, and the original dish was eaten by shepherds. The American version does stem from the original Hungarian recipes that were adapted over time, based on ingredient availability and cultural preferences.
Ingredients
- Beef: This Goulash is traditionally made with ground beef. I recommend 85/15 for best flavor and texture in just about every recipe. If your ground beef is sticking to the pan while browning, you can add a small amount of olive oil to the pan.
- Macaroni Noodles: Macaroni noodles are used in this recipe because they are the perfect shape to absorb all of the delicious sauce after they have simmered for about 15 minutes, as well as help thicken the sauce with the starches released.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions are a classic combination that goes perfectly with beef. Sauteing them first cuts the bitterness of the peppers and sharpness of onion, so you get an aromatic earthy sweetness instead.
- Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce combine with the rest of the seasonings to create a savory base sauce that soaks into the meat and pasta and softens the vegetables.
Can this be made ahead of time?
If you’re making goulash ahead, cook the pasta according to package directions and set aside. Then make the ground beef according to the recipe, and store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may also want to store some extra sauce on the side, just in case it needs it when you reheat it later. When you’re ready, saute the goulash with the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding any extra sauce as necessary. Stir as needed until heated through, then serve.
Pairing Suggestions
Goulash is a hearty recipe the entire family will love. For a complete meal, serve Classic Goulash with a crisp, fresh Beet Salad and Garlic Bread to soak up all that extra delicious sauce.
How to Store
- Store: Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: I suggest reheating this pasta dish on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s simmering and heated through. If it’s too dry, add some broth or water a splash at a time until it’s saucy enough.
- Freeze: Cool the cooked goulash to room temperature then store it in freezer safe containers. Keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can reheat it from frozen or thaw it first.
Alternative Cooking Techniques
Slow Cooker Method
- Brown the ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a skillet.
- Add beef mixture to slow cooker along with the rest of the ingredients except macaroni.
- Cook on high 2-3 hours, or on low 4-6 hours, adding the macaroni noodles to the slow cooker in the last 30-40 minutes of cooking.
Instant Pot Method
- In saute mode, brown the ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Drain most of the fat.
- Add 1 cup water to deglaze, then add the rest of the water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir in macaroni.
- Seal lid and set to high pressure for 3 minutes, then quick release. Stir and serve immediately.
Frequent Questions
You can freeze this goulash recipe, but if you’re making it ahead to freeze I recommend undercooking the macaroni slightly, then immediately removing from heat and letting it cool. That way when you go to reheat, the pasta will finish cooking all the way instead of becoming mushy. Defrost in the refrigerator the night before.
Use a meatless crumble in place of ground beef for a delicious vegetarian take on Goulash. It will still taste beefy, hearty, and delicious. Or you can substitute the ground beef for cooked lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal that’s also high in protein and fiber.
Variations
- Cheese: Cheese is a popular addition to American goulash. Stir in 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, provolone, or Swiss cheese then serve with some extra cheese on top.
- Noodles: I used macaroni, but you can also use Egg Noodles, small shell pasta, or other short pasta types like ditaliini, cavatappi or orecchiette. You want something with grooves or tubes to scoop up that tasty sauce.
- Meat: You can lighten this recipe up by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and adding more vegetables in place of some of the pasta.
- Tomatoes: I’m using a can of diced tomatoes in this recipe, but you can chop fresh tomatoes if you want to. If you have leftover Marinara Sauce, use it instead of the tomato sauce for even more flavor.
- Vegetables: More aromatic veggies you can add or swap with the peppers and onions are celery, carrots, and leeks. Add some mushrooms with the sauce ingredients. Throw some fresh spinach leaves or frozen veggies (like peas or green beans) in during the last 5 minutes. Corn and zucchini would also be great additions!
- Broth: You can add more flavor by replacing the water with beef broth, so the pasta absorbs the flavor of the beef broth as it cooks.
- Creamy: Add a cup of sour cream to make the sauce creamy and give it a delicious tang similar to stroganoff.
- Seasonings: You can replace the seasoning in this dish with simple Italian seasoning to save time. This recipe is already seasoned but if you want even more flavor try adding bay leaves, a dash of paprika or cumin, or deglaze the ground beef with ¼ cup red wine.
- Fresh Herbs: You can replace the 1 teaspoon each of dried herbs for 1 tablespoon each of fresh herbs. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for even more fresh flavor.
- Low Sodium: Make this recipe low sodium by omitting the salt, and using the low-sodium version of canned tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce.
- Toppings: Top Goulash with sour cream, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh chopped parsley, black olives, or Parmesan cheese.
Related Recipe
More Delicious One Pot Recipes
Photo used in a previous version of this post.
This is the first time I’ve ever commented on a food site and while I make all sorts recipes I felt I needed to say something about this. It was delicious! I made it completely as written but ended up making macaroni in another pot to add to the goulash because it was slightly soupy. Other than that it reminded of my grandmothers cooking. I haven’t had it in years and didn’t think I’d eat it again since grandmother is no longer with us. Remember how the food critic on the movie ratatouille reacted to eating the ratatouille? It took him back to a simpler time and this goulash did that for me. Thank you so much for sharing!
You’re so welcome! Thanks for taking them time to come back and comment.
I haven’t got macaroni could I use fuslie pasta
Sure 🙂
Wow, what a great recipe, I will make this again and again. Only change I made was doubling the macaroni. Recipe calls for 8oz uncooked macaroni. I used a 500g (just a bit over 16 oz) uncooked package and the consistency was perfect. Reading other comments on it being soupy, I added more pasta and it was perfect! Great flavor. If you like goulash, this is a must try!
Am making it now and it looks like mine is gonna do the same i hope not though
Mine turned out really soupy
It says it’s 8 servings, but how big is a serving? 1 cup? 1 1/2 cups?
1 cup 🙂
If you’re going by 1 cup there’s a lot more then that!
A local restaurant makes goulash soup and my son loves it. I’d like to do that with this recipe by adding beef stock instead of water, plus extra stock until there’s enough to call it a soup. I’d also make the pasta separate and add a little to each bowl instead of the whole pot only because I love leftovers and the pasta has a tendency to become mushy in leftover soup. Besides these changes, would you recommend anything else that would make my soup a success? Thanks!
Sounds fantastic! Good luck.
Any idea what serving size is? Love it! Did add a little more garlic and oregeno but it turned out amazing
So glad you enjoyed it, Heather. One serving size is equal to 1 cup.
Great recipe! Husband loved it. I cut this recipe in half and it could feed 6 with a healthy portion. So the regular recipe can probably feed a larger crowd or family.
My Mom used to make this. She called it Friday night soup. Because she would add all the leftovers in the fridge from the week. Usually very good. Once in a while she put something really weird in it and no one wanted it.(for example the left over tuna fish?)
Um, tuna fish would definitely be under the “weird” category in my book too. haha!
I made this tonight. I used diced tomatoes with green chilies because that was what I had. Gave it a nice little kick.
I cut back on the recipe because it was just 2 of us.
Very easy and very good
Outside in cold most of the day. Christmas decorating and making room in garage for my car for a possible 18” of snow. This is tasting really good right now! Brings back memories.
Will have another bowl while watching the Patriots game. Yum!!!
Stay safe and warm!
Omg! This is how my mom used to make it when we were kids growing up in Wisconsin! It was the PERFECT one pot dish! I have been wanting to make this for a while know but my mom couldn’t remember all the ingredients. So so so SOOOOOOO happy I found this recipe! The only difference to how my mom used to make is by adding is a couple cans of mexicorn which is so good but I can’t find it here in Texas where we now live. But honestly this tastes just how my mom made it. Her being Korean she could never figure out what is Americans called it lol so she always referred to it as one pot! Lol. Thank you so much for this amazing recipe!!
I forgot to add the other difference with my moms recipe, she just added the “cheese” from the macaroni to give it that cheesy flavor!
I’m so happy you were able to find this recipe and it brought back memories! You’re so welcome and I’d love to hear how you and your mom like it!
Would you suggest cutting down on the water to make it less soupy as some have commented? And cut down how much? I don’t want it to be dry.
I never had an issue with it being soupy. Remember you’re cooking the macaroni in this liquid too and that will soak up some. You may just have to eyeball it and adjust to your liking.
Forgot to give this a 5 star on my previous review!
Delicious!! I used shell pasta, added mushrooms and lots of cheese and baked it until the cheese was melted. I know-another step and dirty pan but everyone loved it. Thank you! Can’t wait to try your other recipes! Oh, can I freeze this? Looking to put dishes in the freezer for my daughter who just gave birth.??
Extra cheese is never a bad idea :):) You can absolutely freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Congrats on the new baby in the family!
This was a hit at my house! My husband (who is a super picky eater) couldn’t stop talking about how yummy this was. Definitely will a cold weather staple. Thanks for the awesome recipe ??
You’re so welcome! So glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for the kind review!
I used lean ground beef 96/4 & added beef broth to keep it from sticking. Then added the rest of the broth to thin the whole dish. I remember it from school 30+ years ago. It was served as a soup with sandwiches. I thinned it with the broth and water, made a big cast iron pan of corn bread, and about 2 gallons were gone in just a few minutes with my bunch.
delicious! Was an absolute hit in my house!
I used lean ground beef 96/4 & added beef broth to keep it from sticking. Then added the rest of the broth to thin the whole dish. I remember it from school 30+ years ago. It was served as a soup with sandwiches. I thinned it with the broth and water, made a big cast iron pan of corn bread, and about 2 gallons were gone in just a few minutes with my bunch.
Sounds like a delish way to make it! Glad you enjoyed.
I made this tonight for dinner. I halved the recipe because it’s just my husband and I. Made exactly per directions with the exception thus I used corkscrew pasta instead of macaroni, because it’s what I had on hand, and added a can of green beans. Really good comfort food! Thanks for a great recipe! Will be making again for sure!
Thanks for coming back to let me know how much you both enjoyed it!
husband and me.
Do you drain the tomatoes?
No need to drain them.
Sorry, Sabrina, but this is not goulash. This is a 1950s US concoction. Spend some time in Eastern Europe for the real thing.
I call this American Goulash “Classic” because it’s a classic midwestern American recipe. 🙂 I do have a Hungarian Goulash if you are looking for a more traditional European version here: https://dinnerthendessert.com/hungarian-goulash/
Enjoy!
spend some time not being snippy, this is American goulash.
Snippy and you don’t seem to realize that there are other variations of the Hungarian one that’s why this is called American!
This recipe is wonderful and a go to recipe in my household that all the children and adults love?
@ Adam
I am a chef and your comment was absolutely unnecessary. She is just trying to help others enjoy a dish that she likes to cook. Cooking and recipes are always evolving and it’s ok to twist a recipe to ones liking.
Sabrina thanks for being the bigger person! Loved seeing your kind response!
I followed the recipe completely. I thought the Worcester sauce taste was SO strong. Too strong. I’d add a splash at best because it overwhelms the entire dish
It can be a bit much for some tastes. Definitely feel free to hold back next time you make it and adjust to your taste! 🙂
Absolutely scrumptious! It’s exactly what goulash is supposed to taste like ? I love using Cavatappi noodles for added entertainment in every bite!
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it and were able to make it even more fun to eat!
Cooked this goulash tonight and it was the best goulash I’ve had. Loved it.
So glad to hear! This is a family favorite in our house 🙂
do i cook the macaroni noodles before adding? or put in burger/tomato mix uncooked?
You put them in uncooked so they can cook up in the liquid 🙂
It has been a looooong time since i have had goulash. Mom was the goulash queen but i never got her recipe before she passed away. I have a question: since i like some zip in my meals, big bold flavors, do you suppose i could substitute one jar of salsa for an equal amount of the diced tomatoes?
That sounds like a great swap! I’m sorry you weren’t able to get her recipe, but here’s hoping this is a good base to getting the flavors how your mom used to make.
I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve been trying to find recipies like my mom made too. Try a can of diced tomatoes with chili’s for heat!
Quick question how much beef broth do I use instead of water
Sorry I just saw this – it’s going to be a 1:1 switch. Hope you enjoy!
Delicious, very easy to make. Thank you for sharing Sabrina.
This isn’t real goulash. I’m sure it may taste perfectly fine but it’s NOT goulash nor would it taste as such.
For one thing, macaroni isn’t in goulash. In my home country, this stuff would be passed over and laughed at if it were claimed to be “goulash.”
This isn’t your home country. This is what we’ve always called it. Comfort food. Why feel the need to make such a negative comment?
Well in the good ole’ USA this is definitely midwestern style goulash.
Rude.
Tweaked it a little for my taste. I added 3 cups of V8 instead of water and a teaspoon of fennel. It was delicious!
Yum! I’m glad you were able to adjust to your taste and enjoy!!
This recipe was just what I was looking for! I did substitute beef broth for the water and reduced the Worcestershire sauce- it was fabulous! Thank you!!
Sounds like even more beefy flavor! So glad you liked it!
Thank you Lynn. I was thinking about using V8 juice myself. Now I know I will. I’m going to make this next week.
This was DELICIOUS i didn’t change a thing. I did add corn to mine.
I add a can of kidney beans and some frozen or fresh corn.
super easy and delicious ! Better than my Mom’s recipe (sorry Mom!)
Haha, I won’t tell her!
Love this recipe! I added green beans to mine and omg it’s delish…
Sounds like a great addition!
So I doubled this recipe to have leftovers for my family of 5, but it made a very big batch! And it was very soupy, wondering what I can add to it now that it’s cooked to thicken it up, thanks!
So sorry I’m just now seeing this. If that happens again, you can add cornstarch to water and stir until smooth. SLOWLY stir cornstarch mixture into the goulash until reaching desired consistency. I hope you still enjoyed it!
This was DELICIOUS i didn’t change a thing. I did add corn to mine.
Sounds like a fantastic addition. Thanks for the 5 stars.
I used tomato soup instead of sauce, beef bouillon in the water and rotel tomatoes. Delicious!!! Great flavor! Highly recommend.
Thanks for the suggestions. So glad you enjoyed it.
If one does not have (or really even know about) a Dutch Oven, what is a useable substitute? Just to be more challenging, this one (does know about but…) does not have any cast iron. Thank you for great recipe.
You can use a skillet for the cast iron. Also as far as a dutch oven, you can use a big pot that you have. Hope this helps!
Best goulash recipe EVER
Thats not goulash. Goulash is never with minced meat. I must know it, Goulash is german food.
Gerd,
This is American Goulash, as stated.
Always someone trying to correct others?. This AMERICAN goulash is great and thank you so much for posting recipes for those of us whom need a lil help from time to time !!! Your amazing !
I 99% agree with you although I know it from my home in Czech.
As stated it’s an American goulash!
If you know it so well why did you google the recipe…
Actually many different cultures have different versions of what “ goulash” is.
Here in Newfoundland, Canada we used canned corned beef rather than ground…it was one of our family’s favorite meals! ??
Is there a substitute for tomato sauce? Don’t have any? Thanks
You can blend up canned or stewed tomatoes, mix tomato paste with water or use tomato juice in a pinch. Hope this helps!
I too noticed how close to American chop suey this recipe sounded – I grew up in Maine and that’s what we call it. The only difference for me is using a store-bought sauce (I know, I know, but it saves on time). Top with some grated Parmesan, serve with a salad and garlic bread – comfort food at its best!!
So glad you love it! No judgement on the store bought sauce at all. Sometimes we all need a little help in the kitchen.
If anyone had taken the time they would have found out that goulash actually originates in Hungary I see no reason for a bunch of grown ups to argue about where a dish comes from, if you enjoy it you enjoy it, and I’m pretty sure when your eating it your not sitting there wondering where this dish came from, be kind people life’s to short for silly disagreement’s. Have a blessed day?
Delicious! I cut the recipe in half and it fed our family of four, with some leftovers used for lunch the next day. Also used turkey burger instead of beef. So good, easy and cheap to make! Love the one-pot recipes!
I’m so glad you guys enjoyed it! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
up in new england we call this chop souy . but it still a great week day meal.
Oh, interesting. Thanks for letting me know.
One of our weeknight favorites! So easy, comforting and delicious!
Perfect for that!
One of my favorite comfort foods of all time! Such a delicious recipe!
Thanks, Steph! So glad you enjoyed it!
Ik this might be an odd question but do you cook the noodles first or do they cook in the sauce mix. Thanks
You’ll add them uncooked into the pot. Enjoy!
This is the best!!! So would love a big bowl for lunch today. Love that you added bell peppers. YUM!!!
I hope you enjoy it!
This is the recipe I’ve been looking for. It’s what my mom use to make. Kids loved it thank you for sharing!
Such an easy dinner and the kiddos love it!
So glad you all loved it, Kellie! Thanks for the 5 stars.
Yum! I love one pot meals for the weeknights and this is perfect!
Yep, a delicious meal AND easy clean up!
Love your page thank u!
I live alone and don’t need to make so much, so I cut the recipe in half. I added green chilies and it came out great. The recipe was so easy to follow. I will be making this again. Thanks for such a wonderful supper.
You’re welcome! Thanks for coming back to let me know how much you enjoyed it!
Wouldn’t it be great if nutritional information was given for each recipe!? It’d be helpful for me.
The nutritional information is available for this recipe at the bottom of the recipe card. We are currently working through all of recipes to update to show them. We appreciate your patience.
I’m making this for our Sunday dinner. My house smells delicious! My family can’t wait to try it!
I hope you all enjoyed it!
Ready for dessert !