American Goulash: A Comforting Classic Recipe

American Goulash, a comforting and hearty one-pot meal, is ready to warm you from the inside out! Forget complicated recipes and endless ingredients lists. This dish is all about simple flavors coming together in perfect harmony, creating a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds. Have you ever craved a meal that feels like a warm hug? This is it.

While the name might suggest a connection to the Hungarian Goulash, this Americanized version has a distinct history all its own. Born from the need for resourceful cooking during times of scarcity, American Goulash became a staple in households across the country. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of home cooks who transformed humble ingredients into something truly special.

What makes this dish so beloved? It’s the perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all simmered to perfection. The texture is wonderfully comforting, and the taste is familiar and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! One pot means less cleanup, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a winner.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping (optional)

Browning the Beef and Sautéing Vegetables

1. First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Place it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned. Make sure to drain off any excess grease – nobody wants greasy goulash!
2. Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion becomes translucent and the pepper is slightly tender.
3. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic sautéing is one of my favorite parts of cooking!

Adding the Tomatoes, Beans, and Seasonings

1. Now it’s time to add all the tomato goodness! Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (don’t drain them – we want all that juicy flavor!). Stir everything together to combine.
2. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and drained corn to the pot. I always rinse my kidney beans to remove any excess starch and give them a cleaner flavor.
3. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Some people like a little more salt, others prefer a bit more pepper – it’s all about personal preference!

Cooking the Macaroni and Simmering the Goulash

1. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to ensure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid. This is important so that the macaroni cooks evenly.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Check the macaroni for doneness. It should be tender but not mushy. If there’s still too much liquid in the pot, remove the lid and continue to simmer for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the desired consistency is reached. I like my goulash to be thick and hearty!

Serving and Enjoying Your American Goulash

1. Once the macaroni is cooked and the goulash has reached your desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat.
2. Ladle the goulash into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. I personally love a generous amount of cheese on mine!
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! This goulash is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make this American Goulash your own:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini. Just chop them up and add them along with the onion and bell pepper.
• Use different beans: Pinto beans or cannellini beans would also work well in this recipe.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
• Slow cooker version: Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Add Worcestershire sauce: A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor. Add it with the other seasonings.
• Tomato paste: For a richer tomato flavor, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste when you add the garlic. Cook for a minute to caramelize it slightly.
• Bay leaf: Add a bay leaf during the simmering process for extra flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

American Goulash is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually deepen as it sits. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

To store leftovers, let the goulash cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze goulash for longer storage. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams

This American Goulash recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a comforting, flavorful journey back to simpler times, all in one pot. I truly believe this American Goulash recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal. The combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and that rich, tomato-based sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little culinary hug.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. Looking for a vegetarian option? Swap out the beef for lentils or your favorite plant-based protein. Want to add a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce will do the trick. You could even throw in some extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

* Classic Comfort: Serve it straight from the pot with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. A side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce is always a good idea.
* Elevated Elegance: For a slightly more sophisticated presentation, garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
* Kid-Friendly Fun: Cut the beef into smaller pieces and use smaller pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or carrot sticks.
* Leftover Love: American Goulash is even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can even use leftovers to make stuffed peppers or a goulash-inspired casserole.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, share with neighbors, or simply enjoy on a cozy night in. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This American Goulash is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to connect with your loved ones over a delicious, home-cooked meal.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your goulash adventures! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!