Goulash

American goulash is a hearty, tomato-based one-pot meal made with ground beef, macaroni, vegetables, and cheese. It has a comforting, stew-like texture and comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a practical choice for a weeknight dinner. This version serves six and uses familiar pantry ingredients; you can adjust the meat, pasta shape, or seasoning to suit your household.

Ingredients for American Goulash

The recipe combines vegetables and beef with two kinds of tomatoes, chicken stock, and Italian seasoning. The pasta cooks directly in the pot, absorbing some of the flavorful liquid as it softens. Shredded mozzarella makes the finished dish creamy, while chives or parsley add a fresh garnish.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ onion
• 2 carrots
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 pound ground beef
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 8 ounces macaroni noodles
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon chives; parsley can also be used for serving
• Salt and pepper, as needed

How to Make American Goulash

1. Chop the onion and carrots, then mince the garlic.
2. Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and garlic, and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened. Transfer the vegetables out of the pot temporarily.
3. Add the ground beef to the same pot. Cook until no pink remains, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns. Return the cooked vegetables to the pot.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a low boil.
5. Add the macaroni, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Check and stir as needed so the pasta cooks evenly.
6. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Turn off the heat, stir in the shredded cheese, and finish with chopped chives or parsley.

Cooking time can vary slightly depending on the pot and pasta brand. Check the macaroni near the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking it.

Tips, Swaps, and Storage

• Change the meat: Ground turkey or chicken can replace the ground beef. Cook the meat thoroughly before adding the tomatoes and stock.
• Add heat: Stir in ¼ teaspoon or more of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, adjusting gradually to taste.
• Try another pasta shape: Other noodles can work, but cooking times differ. Follow the package timing as a guide and check the pasta for an al dente texture.
• Choose your cheese: The recipe lists mozzarella; cheddar is another option. Stir the shredded cheese in after turning off the heat.
• Store leftovers safely: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot.

Recipe Details

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

At a Glance

This American main course is a filling combination of ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and cheese. For the best texture, cook the pasta just until al dente and serve soon after stirring in the cheese.

Nutrition Information

Estimated nutrition per serving: 511 calories, 24 g fat, 9 g saturated fat, 1 g trans fat, 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 10 g monounsaturated fat, 71 mg cholesterol, 518 mg sodium, 1,024 mg potassium, 48 g carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, 12 g sugar, and 27 g protein. It also provides 3,929 IU vitamin A, 22 mg vitamin C, 214 mg calcium, and 5 mg iron.

Nutrition figures are automatically calculated estimates and can vary with ingredient brands, portion sizes, and substitutions. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Enjoy This American Goulash

With simple ingredients, a short cooking time, and flexible seasoning options, American goulash makes a convenient family-style meal. Serve it warm, and keep any leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for an easy meal later.