Irresistible Classic American Goulash Recipe You’ll Love

There is something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of Classic American Goulash. Imagine the tantalizing aroma of seasoned beef mingling with plump pasta, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce that sings with flavor. Each bite bursts with nostalgia, whisking you away to family dinners and cozy nights in front of the TV, where a hearty meal was never in short supply.

As I dive into my own memories of goulash, I can’t help but chuckle at the chaos of my childhood kitchen. My mom would whip up this dish faster than I could say “where’s my spoon?” It was the ultimate weeknight wonder that made everyone happy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some comfort food, this dish is perfect for game nights, potlucks, or simply those days when you need a hug in a bowl.

Ingredients for Classic American Goulash

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Look for lean ground beef (around 80% lean) to keep your goulash flavorful without excess grease.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop it finely so it blends nicely.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic will elevate the flavor profile; opt for about 3-4 cloves.

• Bell Peppers: Use red or green bell peppers for color and crunch; chop them into bite-sized pieces.

• Tomato Sauce: A can of classic tomato sauce serves as the base for your goulash’s luscious sauce.

• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add texture and additional tomato flavor; don’t forget to drain them.

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional; cook it al dente for the best texture in your dish.

• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are essential for rounding out the flavors; adjust to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Classic American Goulash

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add about one pound of ground beef. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally to break up any clumps. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add one chopped onion and one bell pepper (your choice of color) to the skillet. Sauté them together until they soften—about five minutes is perfect. Don’t forget to toss in three minced garlic cloves during the last minute!

Step 3: Mix in Tomato Sauce

Stir in one can of tomato sauce and one can of diced tomatoes (drained). Add two teaspoons of Italian seasoning along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about five minutes so flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

While your sauce simmers, cook two cups of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well before adding it to your skillet.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, mix it into the beef and sauce mixture. Stir everything together until every noodle is coated in that glorious sauce—this part smells amazing!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer generous portions onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if you feel fancy! This hearty goulash pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad.

Now you have a comforting bowl of Classic American Goulash ready to delight your taste buds! Enjoy those nostalgic flavors while creating new memories around your dinner table—because let’s be honest, nothing beats good food shared with good company.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot. While that sizzles away, chop your veggies and prepare spices. Once the meat is browned, throw in everything else—pasta included—and let it simmer until cooked through for a deliciously efficient result.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. Spice things up with jalapeños or switch out the elbow macaroni for shells or penne. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover classic American goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist and flavorful, heating on the stove or microwave until warm.

Sometimes, I’ll whip up this classic American goulash when friends come over, and you can bet they’ll rave about it! One time, they even requested seconds before finishing their first bowls—it was like music to my ears!

FAQs

What ingredients are needed for Classic American Goulash?

To make Classic American Goulash, you will need ground beef, elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and a blend of seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This dish combines these simple ingredients to create a hearty meal that is both filling and flavorful. You can customize it by adding vegetables or spices according to your taste.

How long does it take to cook Classic American Goulash?

Cooking Classic American Goulash typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The process involves browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables before adding the pasta and sauces. Once everything is combined, it simmers on the stove until the macaroni is tender. This quick preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Can I make Classic American Goulash ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Classic American Goulash ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply make the dish as directed and let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve it, reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This makes it convenient for meal prep or potlucks.

Is Classic American Goulash suitable for freezing?

Classic American Goulash freezes beautifully! After cooking, allow it to cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or microwave. This ensures you have a quick meal ready whenever you need one.

Conclusion for Classic American Goulash

Classic American Goulash is a comforting dish that brings together simple ingredients for a delightful meal. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Whether enjoyed fresh or reheated later, this recipe remains a crowd-pleaser. By following this guide, you can create a delicious goulash that satisfies everyone at your table while being quick and convenient to prepare.

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Classic American Goulash

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Classic American Goulash is the ultimate comfort food, combining seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce for a hearty meal that evokes nostalgia. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish is quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite veggies. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, making it a family favorite sure to please everyone at the table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (drained)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic for the last minute.
3. Mix in tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes, followed by Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
5. Combine cooked macaroni with the beef mixture in the skillet, stirring well to coat noodles evenly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or zucchini. - Substitute ground turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian option. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.