American Goulash is a hearty and comforting dish that brings back warm memories for many of us. Often associated with family dinners, this classic one-pot meal is delicious, easy to prepare, and budget-friendly. Made with lean ground beef, pasta, and a blend of savory spices, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights or gatherings. The simplicity of the recipe allows the flavors to shine, making it a staple in countless households across the country.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to make American Goulash. Firstly, it’s a complete meal in one pot, meaning you save time on both cooking and cleaning. With just a few key ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, you can whip up a nutritious and filling dinner in no time. Furthermore, this dish is versatile; you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Another reason to make American Goulash is the nostalgia factor. For many, it represents comfort food at its finest, often evoking fond memories of family gatherings or home-cooked meals. Finally, it’s a cost-effective dish that can serve a large crowd, making it perfect for feeding a family or guests without breaking the bank.

How to Make American Goulash

Making American Goulash is a straightforward process that requires minimal cooking skills. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious version of this classic dish.

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
½ tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce (approx. 8 shakes)
1 tsp + dash homemade seasoned salt
Ground black pepper, to taste
1½ cups chicken or beef broth
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
1 cup gluten-free elbow noodles, uncooked

Directions:

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, chopped shallot or onion, and minced garlic. Break up the beef as it cooks, stirring occasionally.
Season the mixture. Sprinkle in the gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper. Continue to cook until the beef is browned.
Drain if necessary. If there is any excess fat, drain it off and return the beef mixture to the skillet.
Add the liquid ingredients. Pour in the broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and bay leaf.
Bring to a simmer. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to medium-low.
Simmer and stir. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the elbow noodles. Stir in the uncooked gluten-free elbow noodles. Continue to simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are tender. If needed, reduce the heat slightly toward the end to maintain a gentle simmer.
Finish up. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Adjust the seasoning to taste if necessary.
Serve hot. Dish up your American Goulash and enjoy!

How to Serve American Goulash

American Goulash is best served hot, straight from the pot. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with some crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad. Garnishing it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley can add a nice touch of flavor and presentation. For those who enjoy a little kick, feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes on top.

How to Store American Goulash

Storing American Goulash is simple. If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water as needed to break up any clumps and retain moisture.

If you’d like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze American Goulash. Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container and use it within 2-3 months for the best quality. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make American Goulash

Use a mix of meats. While lean ground beef is standard, feel free to mix it with ground turkey or sausage for added flavor.
Customize your vegetables. Including bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms can enhance the nutritional value and add more depth to the flavor.
Adjust the spices. Experiment with different seasoning blends or hot sauce to achieve your desired level of heat.
Don’t rush the simmering. Allow the ingredients to meld together during the simmering step for a more flavorful dish.
Double the recipe. This dish stores well, so making a larger batch can provide quick meals for the week.

Variations

American Goulash is versatile, which means you can easily mix things up based on your preferences:

Cheesy Goulash: Add shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella to the pot right before serving for a gooey, cheesy texture.
Vegetarian version: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or a mix of beans and lentils, and omit Worcestershire sauce if it contains anchovies.
Spicy Goulash: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
One-Pot Goulash: Cook everything in one pot without pre-browning the beef. Just add all the ingredients, including the noodles, and cook until the pasta is tender.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of noodles for American Goulash?

Yes! While elbow noodles are classic, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, or whole wheat pasta. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

2. Is American Goulash gluten-free?

This recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free elbow noodles and ensure that your other ingredients such as the Worcestershire sauce and broth are also gluten-free.

3. How long does it take to make American Goulash?

Overall, American Goulash takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal.

4. Can I make American Goulash in advance?

Absolutely! American Goulash is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for easy reheating later.

Making American Goulash is an easy and rewarding cooking experience. The combination of flavors and comforting textures delivers a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or decide to play around with different variations, this dish is sure to hold a special place in your kitchen.