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Home » Recipes » American Goulash Recipe

American Goulash Recipe

by Mike Hultquist · Mar 25, 2024 · 44 Comments

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American Goulash Recipe

American-style goulash is a one-pot comfort dish of ground beef and noodles simmered in a zesty tomato sauce, an easy recipe to make that always satisfies. Learn how to make it!

American Goulash Recipe

American Goulash Recipe

It's goulash time, my friends! I grew up with dishes like this, simple one-pot meals with lots of ground meats and noodles, easy to make comfort foods that don't take much time or effort.

Dishes like this make sense to busy people who need to feed a hungry family. This American Goulash recipe is the perfect example of this. It's so easy to make with seasoned ground beef cooked up with elbow noodles in a tomato based sauce.

I say "American Goulash" because while here in the U.S. we may think of this as a classic goulash recipe, there is another famous goulash called "Hungarian Goulash" that is quite different.

American Goulash Vs. Hungarian Goulash

American goulash may have evolved from Hungarian goulash, but they have become quite different over the years. Old World, traditional Hungarian goulash was a simple stew of meats cooked in pot with paprika, thickened by the collagen of the meat in the slow cooking process.

It evolved to become more like a beef soup or stew with vegetables added in, like potatoes and carrots.

American goulash evolved to use ground meats instead. It also evolved to incorporate an obvious Italian influence, opting for more Italian seasonings, and a tomato-based sauce.

You may have heard it referred to as "American chop suey" "Slumgullion", "Beefaroni", or "Johnny Marzetti", among others.

This recipe is similar to the one I grew up with, though I like to add in a few optional additions to spice things up, as I usually do.

Let's talk about how to make goulash, shall we?

Goulash Ingredients

  • Olive Oil. For cooking.
  • Vegetables. Onion, green bell pepper, garlic. I like to use 2-3 jalapeno peppers in place of the green pepper for a spicier version.
  • Lean Ground Beef. You can also use ground turkey or pork for a lighter version.
  • Seasonings. Use your favorite Italian seasoning blend, or use a mixture of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Also, paprika (I like hot paprika), salt and black pepper, and bay leaves. Simple seasoned salt is also a popular addition, found in many American kitchens.
  • Canned Tomatoes. Canned are best for making this recipe easy. I prefer fire roasted tomatoes for a flavor boost, but you can use canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
  • Beef Broth. Beef bouillon is great for this.
  • Worcestershire Sauce.
  • Elbow Macaroni Noodles. You can use others, but these are more traditional.
  • Cheddar Cheese. Optional, if you'd like a slightly cheesy version.
  • Optional Additions. Red pepper flakes and hot sauce, for Mike's spicy twist.

How to Make Goulash - the Recipe Method

This is a general overview of how to make goulash. You can find the printable full recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

First, cook down the onions and peppers with a bit of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven a few minutes, then brown the ground beef and cook is mostly through.

Cooking vegetables and meat in a pot to make easy American Goulash

Next, cook in the spices and garlic a minute or so, then toss in the roasted tomatoes and liquids along with bay leaf and salt and pepper.

Don't forget the hot sauce!

Simmering the American goulash in a pot

Simmer the pot to develop the flavors, 30 minutes or so, then stir in the noodles. Cook about 20 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, just until the noodles are done to your liking.

The sauce cooks the pasta. I like the noodles cooked right in the sauce, but you can cook them separately and just stir them in.

Simmering the goulash in a pot with pasta noodles

For a cheesy version, stir in shredded cheese and cook until nicely melted through.

Boom! Done! Your goulash is ready to serve. Easy enough to make, isn't it? This is a huge pot and will serve lots of people!

Recipe Tips & Notes

  • The Seasonings. Most recipes call for a simple blend of Italian seasonings, though feel free to use your favorites. I find this recipe enjoyable to make when I add in a good mix of different spices.
  • The Noodles. Most classic goulash recipes use elbow macaroni noodles, but you can use any noodles. Smaller noodles are best, as opposed to long noodles, like spaghetti noodles.
  • The Ground Meats. Ground beef is traditional for goulash, but use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter version. It's really interesting with Mexican chorizo and Mexican spices for a Mexican spin!
  • Mike's Spicy Twists. I like to swap out the bell peppers for jalapeno peppers. I add hot paprika, though you can add cayenne, as well as spicy chili flakes. I also love it with a few dashes (or more!) of habanero hot sauce. I just have to be careful not to make it too spicy for Patty!
Goulash in a pan with a spoon

Leftovers and Storage

Leftover goulash will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It isn't bad served cold, but is easily reheated in a microwave or tossed in a hot pan.

You can also freeze it for 2-3 months, though the noodles can get a bit mushy after thawing.

That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this easy goulash recipe. It's an American classic goulash! Let me know if you make it. I hope you spiced it up a little!

Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes

  • Buffalo Chicken Pasta
  • Rasta Pasta
  • Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
  • Chili Mac Recipe
  • Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese
Easy American Goulash in a bowl, ready to serve

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.

American Goulash Recipe
Print

American Goulash Recipe

American-style goulash is a comforting dish of ground beef and noodles simmered in a zesty tomato sauce, different from Hungarian goulash, so easy to make! Plus, you can easily spice it up!
Save Recipe Saved!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ground beef, noodles, paprika, tomatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
Calories: 413kcal
Author: Mike Hultquist
Servings: 8
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5 from 16 votes
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 large green bell pepper diced (use 2-3 jalapeno peppers for a spicier version)
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend or use 2 teaspoons dried basil, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon rosemary, and 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 tablespoon paprika I use hot paprika
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spicy – use more as desired
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 15-ounce cans fire roasted tomatoes or use canned diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Hot sauce to taste (optional, for spicy)
  • 2 cups macaroni noodles uncooked (elbow macaroni)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded (or more to taste. Optional - you can use other melty cheeses if preferred)

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to medium heat. Add the onion and peppers and cook 3-4 minutes to soften.
  • Add the ground beef and break apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 minutes, until browned and mostly cooked through.
  • Add the garlic, Italian seasonings, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using) and salt and pepper to taste. Cook 1 minute, stirring, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices bloom.
  • Add the roasted tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf, and salt and pepper. Also add optional hot sauce, if using. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and simmer 20 minutes to let the flavors develop.
  • Stir in the macaroni noodles and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes, or until the noodles are softened to your liking.
  • For a cheesy version, stir in cheese and cook until nicely melted through, 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 413kcal   Carbohydrates: 25g   Protein: 23g   Fat: 24g   Saturated Fat: 10g   Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g   Monounsaturated Fat: 10g   Trans Fat: 1g   Cholesterol: 75mg   Sodium: 548mg   Potassium: 474mg   Fiber: 2g   Sugar: 2g   Vitamin A: 729IU   Vitamin C: 14mg   Calcium: 161mg   Iron: 3mg
American Goulash Recipe
Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

NOTE: This recipe was updated on 3/25/24 to include new information. It was originally published on 12/16/22.

Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Tiffany says

    May 26, 2025 at 5:35 pm

    5 stars
    this is yummy! except I added bacon!!

    Reply
    • Mike H. says

      May 27, 2025 at 8:02 am

      Haha, thanks - enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Tiffany Rampy says

    August 18, 2024 at 8:56 pm

    5 stars
    love this

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      August 18, 2024 at 8:58 pm

      Thanks!!

      Reply
  3. Tiffany Rampy says

    August 18, 2024 at 8:51 pm

    5 stars
    Could I use canned wolf brand chili without beans instead of hamburger meat in this amazing looking dish? trying to decide whether or not to try it in just a few min lol thanks!

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      August 18, 2024 at 8:58 pm

      I say go for it!

      Reply
  4. Tiffany Rampy says

    August 18, 2024 at 8:48 pm

    this looks great! I'm wondering if I can use a can of wolf brand chili without beans instead of hamburger meat?

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      August 18, 2024 at 8:58 pm

      I think that would be super interesting, Tiffany!

      Reply
  5. Mary says

    August 06, 2024 at 8:30 pm

    5 stars
    We all really enjoyed this recipe. I didn’t use hot peppers, the red pepper flakes or hot sauce, as I was cooking this for sensitive elderly family members. My only regret was not using the large elbow macaroni. Will be making this again!

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      August 07, 2024 at 5:46 am

      Glad you enjoyed it, Mary! I appreciate it!

      Reply
  6. Diana says

    July 29, 2024 at 3:07 pm

    Hmmm. I haven't made this yet. I do my menu plans in advance of grocery shopping.

    I usually don't comment before I actually made the dish. But I'm wondering, should I add the olives? That's somebody's comment from way below in the comment section. Do you, Mike, think that's a good idea?

    Your dishes always come out perfect, so I don't want to screw it up with olives, but it seemed like a good idea.

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      July 29, 2024 at 3:51 pm

      Hi, Diana. I'd say that's a personal preference. I don't think I'd mind them in this, but my wife would definitely not like it. She's not much for olives. They DO work great in something like a puttanesca, so I don't see why they wouldn't work here, especially if you love olives. I hope this helps!

      Reply
  7. Chris Hudson says

    May 07, 2024 at 10:47 am

    Hi.
    Could this be made in a slow cooker?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Mike H. says

      May 07, 2024 at 11:50 am

      Hi, Chris. Absolutely! 😉

      Reply
  8. David says

    March 31, 2024 at 5:13 pm

    5 stars
    Incredibly awesome. Did add hot sauce, and even though it had macaroni, served over mashed potatoes. Recipes are great! More reapers planted now, and ready to make more hot sauce this year.

    Reply
    • Mike H. says

      April 01, 2024 at 4:32 am

      Fantastic, David. Thank you!

      Reply
  9. Liz Paton says

    March 27, 2024 at 6:35 am

    5 stars
    absolutely delicious my picky grown up son, Mum make this again and can I take some home. Loved it thank you

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      March 27, 2024 at 6:48 am

      Nice! I love to hear it! Glad you both enjoyed it. Thanks, Liz.

      Reply
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