When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like Beefy American Goulash. Not to be confused with traditional Hungarian goulash, this version is an all-American favorite: tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with savory spices. Simple, affordable, and quick to prepare, it’s a perfect weeknight meal for families, college students, or anyone craving a hearty, filling dinner.
Beefy American Goulash combines the flavors of beef, tomato, onion, and garlic with the satisfying texture of pasta, making it an ideal one-pot meal. Easy to customize and full of flavor, it has remained a staple in American kitchens for decades.
What Makes Beefy American Goulash So Special?
Hearty and Comforting
This dish is more than just pasta with sauce. The combination of ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and rich tomato sauce creates a meal that warms both body and soul. The inclusion of pasta adds a filling, chewy texture that makes every bite satisfying.
Quick and Easy
Unlike traditional goulash that simmers for hours, Beefy American Goulash can be ready in under 45 minutes. With simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry—ground beef, elbow macaroni, canned tomatoes, and spices—you can prepare a wholesome dinner without hassle.
Kid-Friendly
With its mild flavor profile, tender pasta, and cheesy topping (optional), it’s a dish that kids love. The hearty sauce can even be customized with vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to sneak in some extra nutrition.
Key Ingredients
Ground Beef
The star of this dish, ground beef provides rich flavor and protein. For best results, use 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) to keep the goulash juicy.
Elbow Macaroni
Elbow macaroni is traditional for American goulash. Its curved shape holds onto the sauce perfectly. Other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work well too.
Tomato Base
Canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sometimes tomato paste form the foundation of the sauce. They provide tanginess, depth, and that classic goulash flavor.
Aromatics and Seasonings
Onion and garlic sautéed until fragrant
Salt, black pepper, and paprika for a classic taste
Optional spices: chili powder, Italian seasoning, or Worcestershire sauce for added depth
Optional Cheese Topping
For an extra layer of indulgence, shredded cheddar cheese can be sprinkled on top before serving, giving it a creamy, melty finish.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Beefy American Goulash
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth or water
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional herbs/Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the Pasta
Add the elbow macaroni directly to the sauce. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes or until pasta is tender and has absorbed some sauce.
5. Optional Cheese Layer
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover the pot for a few minutes to let it melt.
6. Serve Hot
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve straight from the pot for a classic comfort-food experience.
Tips for the Best Beefy American Goulash
Use a one-pot method to reduce cleanup and allow pasta to absorb flavor from the sauce.
Do not overcook the pasta—it will continue cooking slightly in residual heat.
Customize your veggies: bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, or peas add color and nutrition.
Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day when flavors have melded.
Adjust the consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes; for a saucier goulash, add a little more broth or water.
Serving Suggestions
With garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce
Over mashed potatoes: A twist for a hearty, homestyle meal
With a fresh green salad: Balances the richness
Topped with sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
Variations of Beefy American Goulash
Cheesy Beefy Goulash
Mix in ½–1 cup shredded cheese directly into the hot goulash before serving for extra creaminess.
Spicy Beefy Goulash
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a mild kick.
Slow Cooker Version
Brown beef and sauté onions, then transfer to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Cook on low for 3–4 hours, adding pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Why American Families Love This Dish
Beefy American Goulash is beloved for its combination of:
Simplicity – minimal prep and inexpensive ingredients
Comfort – hearty, warm, and satisfying
Versatility – easy to adapt with extra veggies or different pasta
Kid-friendly appeal – familiar flavors and cheesy goodness
It’s a dish that evokes nostalgia for home-cooked meals while still being convenient for busy modern families.
Conclusion
Beefy American Goulash is a true comfort-food classic that brings together ground beef, tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, and optional cheesy goodness in a single, hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual family dinners, it’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and universally loved in the US, UK, and Canada.
With a few simple ingredients, a one-pot method, and a handful of spices, you can create a meal that’s rich in flavor, satisfying in texture, and impossible to resist. Whether served straight from the pot or garnished with a sprinkle of cheddar and fresh parsley, Beefy American Goulash is comfort food at its finest—warm, hearty, and unforgettable.