Dinner

American Goulash Recipe

Name: American Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Ground Beef; 1 Yellow Onion, diced; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 cans Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz each); 2 cans Tomato Sauce (15 oz each); 3 cups Water; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning; 2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt; 1 box Elbow Macaroni (12 ounces)

ByLuna Ryder December 27, 2025December 27, 2025

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Introduction

American Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s an easy, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights that satisfies the whole family.

The image shows three white bowls filled with a pasta dish made of elbow macaroni mixed with a chunky, brown ground meat sauce that has pieces of red tomato and small green herb garnishes on top. Each bowl has a silver spoon resting inside. A large black pan filled with the same pasta mixture sits nearby on a white marbled surface, with some crumbs of herbs scattered around. A beige cloth with red stripes is placed to the left side of the setup. The pasta looks rich and glossy with a slightly orange-red sauce coating most pieces. The whole scene is bright with natural light highlighting the textures of the macaroni and meat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds Ground Beef
1 Yellow Onion
3 cloves Garlic
2 cans Diced Tomatoes
2 cans Tomato Sauce
3 cups Water
2 tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt
1 box Elbow Macaroni

Instructions

Step 1: In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the grease.
Step 2: Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and elbow macaroni. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of beef broth instead of water.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Mix in shredded cheese before serving for a creamy twist.
Frozen peas or bell peppers can be added during simmering for more vegetables.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the dish has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows three white bowls filled with cooked elbow macaroni mixed with ground beef, small pieces of tomatoes, and lightly sprinkled green herbs on top, each bowl containing a silver spoon resting inside. Nearby is a black pot also filled with the same macaroni and beef mixture, all placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth featuring red stripes beside the food. The macaroni is coated with a reddish-orange sauce, making the dish look warm and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini can be substituted, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?

Yes, American Goulash can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.