American Goulash (Hamburger Goulash)
Your family will love my quick and easy American Goulash recipe with its ground beef, elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce. It’s a really great solution for getting a homemade dinner on the table at the end of a busy day!
This classic American Goulash recipe is a hearty, one-pot meal that’s a great staple for busy families. You can have this ready to serve in about the same time as it takes to pick up a takeout order.
This recipe, filled with ground beef, macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, is a favorite in many families. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make when you just need to get something delicious and satisfying on the table fast.
Also known as hamburger goulash, is a classic dish that’s been passed down through generations. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes!
- One-Pot Meal: One pot means less cleanup time and more time to enjoy with family.
- Family Favorite: It’s loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredient Notes
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- Ground Beef: Of course, you’ll need ground beef! It’s the base of the entire recipe. I prefer 80/20 ground beef (chuck) because the higher fat content gives any recipe better flavor. You could also opt for a chicken or turkey version (see the Recipe Variations section below for information.
- Onion and Garlic: The aromatics that add sweetness and build flavor in the sauce.
- Elbow Macaroni: Elbows are the classic pasta used in this all-American recipe because they’re easily sourced and inexpensive.
- Tomato Sauce and Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: The fire-roasted tomatoes add a light smoky flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have them, use regular diced tomatoes in their place.
- Beef Broth: Using beef broth instead of water amps up the overall beefy flavor. You could substitute an equivalent amount of water and a beef bouillon cube in a pinch.
- Red Bell Pepper: Use whatever color bell peppers you have on hand. I use red simply because I like the color for this.
- Smoked Paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor along with the fire-roasted tomatoes. Use regular paprika if you like.
- Dried Oregano and Basil: Typical Italian herbs that complement the tomato sauce.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How I Make American Goulash (Hamburger Goulash)
- In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain the excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the elbow macaroni, making sure that it is covered by the liquid. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken.
- Serve it hot and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Macaroni Too Firm: If the macaroni isn’t fully cooked, add a bit more broth or water and continue simmering until it’s tender.
- Too Much Liquid: Let the goulash simmer for a few more minutes over low heat to let more of the liquid evaporate.
- Needs More Flavor: Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste.
Recipe Variations
I make so many different variations of this recipe! Here are some I’ve made and enjoyed in the past.
- Mexican Goulash: Add a can of black beans, a can of corn, and 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Top with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Italian Goulash: Use ground turkey (or chicken) instead of ground beef; substitute chicken broth for the beef broth, and use diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning. Stir in a cup of ricotta cheese and top with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil before serving.
- Cheesy Bacon Goulash: Cook 4-6 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble and add to the goulash with a cup of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
- Creamy Goulash: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy, rich texture.
- Greek Goulash: Add a handful of olives (black, green, or Kalamata) and a little bit more dried oregano. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
- Spicy Sausage Goulash: Replace the ground beef with spicy Italian sausage. Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
How I Serve Goulash
I typically serve this recipe with a fresh, crisp green salad and my Cheesy Onion and Herb Bread on the side.
How I Store the Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm them on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
More Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Like
If you like this recipe, you’ll want to also check out my Easy Baked Spaghetti with Cheddar Cheese, Shepherd’s Pie, Easy Cheeseburger Pie, Easy Baked Ziti, and Southern Meatloaf recipes!
Questions About American Goulash
Yes, you can freeze American Goulash. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and makes the dish a bit lighter.
You can use regular diced tomatoes. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Yes, just substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Questions? I’m happy to help!
If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
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American Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 14.5 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped (for garnish), optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Drain the excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the elbow macaroni, making sure that it is covered by the liquid. Reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken.
- Serve it hot and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.