Old-Fashioned Goulash (American-Style Beef Goulash)
This is a classic comfort dish made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and simple spices. It’s different from Hungarian goulash—it’s more like a hearty one-pot pasta.
Serves: 4–6
Time: ~45 minutes
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Ingredients
Main
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Tomato base
1 can (15 oz / 400 g) tomato sauce
1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1–2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)
Seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional but recommended)
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf (optional)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
Liquid
2 to 2½ cups water or beef broth
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the beef
Heat a large pot or deep pan over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Break it apart as it cooks.
Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Cook onion and garlic
Add chopped onion to the beef.
Cook for 3–5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds.
3. Build the sauce
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
Stir well.
Add salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and bay leaf.
4. Add liquid and simmer
Pour in water or broth.
Stir everything together.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
Simmer for 10–15 minutes so flavors combine.
5. Add macaroni
Stir in uncooked macaroni.
Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
Cook until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
6. Final touch
Remove bay leaf.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving (it thickens more).
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Serving Ideas
Sprinkle with shredded cheese (cheddar works great)
Add fresh parsley on top
Serve with garlic bread or salad
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Tips for Best Flavor
Use beef broth instead of water for richer taste
Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth
Let it rest after cooking for better texture
Don’t overcook macaroni—it continues softening in the pot
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Variations
Cheesy goulash: Stir in cheese at the end
Spicy version: Add chili powder or jalapeños
Veggie version: Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini
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What is Goulash?
This version of Goulash is the American-style adaptation, known for being:
Affordable
One-pot
Family-friendly
Comforting and filling
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If you want, I can also give you the original Hungarian beef goulash recipe (very different, more like stew).