Oh, American goulash! This dish has a special place in my heart and stomach. Growing up, my mom would whip up a big pot of goulash whenever she wanted to warm us up on chilly days or when my siblings and I were especially hungry after school. The aroma of rich tomato sauce mingled with savory herbs filled our home and instantly made everything feel right in the world.
What makes this American goulash unique is its adaptability and comforting flavors. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to throw in whatever you have on hand, making it a fantastic “clean out the pantry” meal. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even my novice friends have mastered it.
So, let’s dive right in and create this delicious, hearty meal together!
What’s in Classic American Goulash?
Ground Beef: This is the hearty base of the goulash, adding tons of flavor and protein. I usually go for lean ground beef to keep things a bit lighter.
Onion: Chopped onion brings sweetness and depth. You can use yellow, white, or even red if that’s what you have on hand!
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a kick and aroma that you can’t resist. Fresh is best, but jarred works too in a pinch.
Bell Pepper: I love adding chopped bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness. Any color works—green, red, or even yellow!
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes (or crushed, if you prefer) form the tangy sauce of this dish. For extra flavor, I might use fire-roasted tomatoes.
Tomato Sauce: This melds everything together and creates that rich, comforting sauce we adore in goulash.
Pasta: Small elbow macaroni is the traditional choice. It absorbs all that delicious sauce, but feel free to use any small pasta you have on hand.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and helps cook the pasta directly in the pot, infusing it with flavor.
Dried Herbs: A blend of Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper will enhance the flavors. If you want to jazz it up, try a pinch of smoked paprika.
Is Classic American Goulash Good for You?
Well, that depends on how you look at it! This dish is packed with good nutrients—**ground beef** offers protein, **bell peppers** and **onions** are full of vitamins, and **tomatoes** are high in antioxidants like lycopene. However, if you’re watching your calories or sodium, the ingredients such as beef broth and canned tomatoes might be something to consider; opting for low-sodium versions can help.
One concern with goulash is the pasta—carbs are great for energy, but moderation is key! You could always substitute the elbow macaroni with whole grain pasta or even veggie noodles for a gluten-free option.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb elbow macaroni
– 1 lb lean ground beef
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
This recipe serves about 6 people.
How to Make Classic American Goulash?
1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the **ground beef** until it’s fully cooked. Make sure to crumble it as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the **chopped onion** and **garlic** to the beef. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the **bell pepper** and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until softened.
4. Next, add in the **canned diced tomatoes** (with their juice), **tomato sauce**, and **beef broth**. Mix it all together until combined.
5. Pour in the **elbow macaroni** and sprinkle in the **Italian seasoning**, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through.
7. Once ready, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** if you like a bit of color!
Goulash Goodies: Tips and Variations
– **Add-ons:** Feel free to mix in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for added veggies.
– **For a Kick:** Want some spice? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce for a little heat.
– **Cheesiness:** For the cheese lovers, top your goulash with cheddar or mozzarella during the last couple of minutes of cooking and let it melt for an ooey-gooey treat!
– **Leftovers:** This goulash is perfect for meal prep and freezes well! Just let it cool, portion out in containers, and freeze for a quick weeknight meal.
I truly hope you give this Classic American Goulash a try—it’s a warm hug on a plate! Don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out, or if you add your own twist to it! Happy cooking!
