Introduction

American Goulash is a classic one-pot comfort food that has been a staple in households across the United States for generations. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. The combination of ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and savory seasonings creates a satisfying meal that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. In this article, we will explore the traditional recipe for Classic One-Pot American Goulash, along with some variations, tips, and commonly asked questions.

Ingredients

To make Classic One-Pot American Goulash, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Goulash:

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

2 cups elbow macaroni

Water for boiling

Salt for seasoning

Steps

Follow these simple steps to make Classic One-Pot American Goulash:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions are translucent.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cover the pot and let the goulash simmer for about 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Once the goulash has simmered, add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir well to combine.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the goulash from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Serve the Classic One-Pot American Goulash hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of this comforting dish.

Variations

While the traditional American Goulash recipe is a timeless favorite, there are endless ways to customize this dish to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

Vegetarian Option:

Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Spicy Twist:

Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the goulash for a spicy kick.

Cheesy Delight:

Stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese at the end of cooking for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Classic One-Pot American Goulash turns out perfectly every time:

Use Lean Ground Beef:

Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.

Let it Rest:

Allow the goulash to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors intensify.

Double the Batch:

This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch and freezing individual portions for quick meals later on.

Conclusion

Classic One-Pot American Goulash is a timeless dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or add your own twist, this comfort food is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a steaming bowl of delicious goulash today!

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about Classic One-Pot American Goulash:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for American Goulash, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can brown the ground beef, sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Classic One-Pot American Goulash

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 120 votes

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: easy

🍽️

Servings

6

⏱️

Prep time

15 minutes

🔥

Cooking time

25 minutes

📊

Calories

475 kcal

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Classic One-Pot American Goulash is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and savory seasonings. This comforting meal is perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• Water for boiling
• Salt for seasoning

Directions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
2. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
3. In a separate pot, boil water and cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Add the cooked pasta to the goulash and stir to combine.
4. Remove from heat, let it sit briefly, garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 475

Fat: 18

Carbohydrates: 46

Protein: 28

Sodium: 835

Fiber: 4

Sugar: 9