Bring Classic Comfort to Your Table with Old-Fashioned American Goulash
This nostalgic one-pot meal features tender ground beef, bell peppers, and elbow macaroni in a seasoned tomato broth—all ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned home cook, this simple recipe delivers hearty, budget-friendly comfort with every bite.

Get a taste of its roots by exploring the History of Goulash and learn how to perfect the flavor using our Paprika Guide. For tips on choosing ingredients, check out Elbow Macaroni Details and Choosing Quality Beef.

Looking to expand your menu? Browse Comfort Food Recipes, try our Chili Recipe, or explore more One-Pot Meals and Easy Family Dinners.

Add a personal twist with a dash of extra oregano or paprika, and finish with a fresh garnish for that extra touch of color and flavor.

What Is American Goulash? A Look at Its Origins

American Goulash emerged in the early 20th century as an affordable, easy meal made from pantry staples. Unlike its Hungarian counterpart—gulyás, which features slow-cooked meat in a paprika-rich broth—this American version uses ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce for a quick and filling dish.

How It Evolved:

Continues to trend in Pinterest comfort food collectionset-friendly classic still enjoyed today, truly nostalgic.

Born out of economic necessity during the Great Depression

Evolved with regional additions like garlic, oregano, and bell peppers

Gained popularity through home economics programs promoting one-pot meals

Why This “Old-Fashioned” Version Works

This rendition of American Goulash taps into timeless comfort by balancing savory ground beef, tangy tomato, and perfectly cooked pasta. Unlike boxed mixes, homemade maximizes flavor through high-quality spices such as paprika and oregano while retaining simplicity. By layering ingredients—first sautéing aromatics then simmering in sauce—the recipe achieves depth without complexity. Busy home cooks appreciate how this one-pot meal streamlines prep and cleanup for hectic weeknights and flavor.

Key reasons this old-fashioned recipe stands out:

• Nostalgic flavor evoking classic diners.
• Balanced texture: tender meat meets al dente pasta.
• Customizable spice: adjust heat to your taste.

Explore one-pot dinner inspiration or browse our cozy one-pot meals for variations. For more context on seasoning profiles, see the Paprika spice guide.

Consider adding depth bell pepper, or consult the Hungarian cuisine overview. Check comfort food recipes for inspiration. Explore hearty weeknight meals from our Comfort Food Collection.

Key Ingredients & How to Select Them

Selecting top-quality components ensures your Old-Fashioned American Goulash reaches peak flavor and texture. From rich tomato sauce to melting cheddar cheese, each ingredient elevates this homemade comfort classic. Incorporating pantry staples with fresh produce simplifies prep without sacrificing authenticity.

When choosing ground beef, opt for an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for balanced juiciness; learn more in Choosing quality beef. Fresh onions and garlic cloves add aroma—pick firm bulbs free of blemishes. For vibrant color and nutrition, select crisp green bell peppers. Explore variations in our cozy one-pot meals for budget-friendly dinners or consult our chili recipe for alternative spice profiles.

The ratio of tomato sauce to diced tomatoes controls acidity and body. Use a full-flavored sauce plus undrained tomatoes for depth. To perfect pasta texture, stick with elbow macaroni—its curved shape captures sauce; see Elbow macaroni details. Choose airtight jars of dried oregano and dried basil for peak freshness. Finally, finish with extra-sharp shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. These intentional selections guarantee a delicious, easy weeknight meal that highlights each ingredient.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Follow these clear steps for rich, flavorful Old-Fashioned American Goulash. Prepping your ingredients ahead of time will ensure a smooth process.

1. Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion; cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and diced bell pepper; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Bloom the Spices

• Add 1 teaspoon each of paprika and oregano, plus ½ teaspoon basil.
• Stir and cook for 30 seconds to release the aromas.

3. Brown the Beef

• Add 1 lb lean ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
• Season with salt and pepper. Cook until fully browned, 6–8 minutes.
• Drain excess fat if desired for a cleaner sauce.

4. Add Tomatoes and Simmer

• Pour in 2 cups tomato sauce and one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice).
• Stir and simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Cook the Pasta

• Add 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir, cover, and reduce heat to low.
• Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

6. Finish with Cheese

• Remove from heat and stir in ¾ cup shredded cheddar until creamy.
• Serve in bowls or transfer to a dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and let sit for 2–3 minutes to melt before serving.

Troubleshooting tips:

• If the pasta is undercooked but liquid is gone, add ¼ cup hot water and continue cooking.
• For extra depth, stir in a splash of the sauce from our Cozy One-Pot Meals.
• Overly tangy? Balance with a pinch of sugar or a pat of butter.

Tips for Perfect Texture & Flavor

• Stir Occasionally: Prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Adjust Liquid: For firmer pasta, reduce tomato juice slightly; for softer, add a bit more.
• Layer Spices: Add half at the start and half near the end for maximum aroma.
• Rest Before Serving: A 2-minute rest lets the sauce thicken and flavors concentrate.
• Cheese Timing: Stir in most cheese off-heat, then top with the rest for a melty finish.

Variations & Add-Ins

Customize your goulash to suit any palate or pantry:

• Meat Options: Swap ground beef for turkey or Italian sausage for extra spice.
• Veggie Boosts: Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or shredded carrots at step 3.
• Heat Level: Add red pepper flakes or use smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
• Creamy Twist: Finish with a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and tamari in place of salt for seasoning.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Serve this hearty goulash with sides that complement its robust flavors:

• Bread: Crusty baguette or garlic toast to soak up sauce.
• Salad: Crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances richness.
• Veggies: Roasted broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition.
• Drinks: Sweet iced tea, a light lager, or a fruity red wine.
• Presentation: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for brightness.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes—shells, fusilli, or other small pasta work well. Just adjust the cook time to keep it al dente.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Let the goulash cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Definitely. Use the sauté function to brown ingredients, then cook on high pressure for 4 minutes (Instant Pot) or on low for 2 hours (slow cooker).

Is it gluten-free or dairy-free friendly?
Yes—use gluten-free pasta and skip or swap the cheese with a dairy-free option. The bold seasoning keeps the flavor strong.

Can I prep and freeze ahead?
You can. Assemble up to step 5, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and add cheese before serving.