Easy American Goulash Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that hits all the right notes, you’ve come to the right place. This Easy American Goulash Recipe is one of those classics that I’ve made countless times, and it never disappoints. Think tender macaroni noodles smothered in a rich, savory meat and tomato sauce that your whole family will go crazy for. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail this dish every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy American Goulash Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are – no fancy stuff here! Each one plays a role in building that tasty, hearty vibe that makes this dish a winner.

• Macaroni Noodles: Elbow macaroni works perfectly; it holds sauce well and cooks quickly.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps sauté the veggies nicely and adds a subtle, fruity base flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed – I like using yellow or white onions.
• Green Bell Pepper: Gives a little crunch and freshness; seed it well to avoid bitterness.
• Garlic: Minced for that wonderful aromatic punch that ties everything together.
• Ground Sirloin: I prefer sirloin for its lean but juicy quality; breaks down easily into bite-sized pieces.
• Oregano: Adds a herbaceous touch that complements the tomato base wonderfully.
• Tomato Sauce: Use good quality or homemade for richer flavor, it forms the heart of the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and a hint of sweetness to balance the acidity of the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Key for balancing flavors – don’t skip adjusting to taste at the end!
• Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Basil (optional): These bring brightness and a lovely finishing touch if you want to dress it up.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Easy American Goulash Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with different add-ins and swaps to keep it interesting and accommodate dietary needs—don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Swap the beef: For something lighter, ground turkey or chicken works well—just adjust cooking time so it stays juicy.
• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach are great for upping the nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if your family likes some heat.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free macaroni noodles to fit dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Easy American Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni to Perfection

Start by boiling your macaroni noodles according to the package directions until they’re al dente – firm but not crunchy. This is important because the pasta will soak up some sauce later, and you don’t want it mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you make the sauce. Pro tip: save a cup of pasta water just in case the sauce needs loosening later.

Step 2: Sauté Your Aromatics

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. This step creates the flavor foundation for your sauce, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Sirloin

Add the ground sirloin and oregano to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat up into bite-sized pieces. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink, about 8 to 10 minutes. This browning adds a deep, savory flavor that’s essential for a great goulash.

Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it simmer until heated through and the flavors meld, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you notice the sauce is a bit too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water will help you reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, add the cooked macaroni noodles to your skillet. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with that delicious meat sauce. Let everything warm together for a minute or two—this is where the magic happens as the flavors soak in fully.

If you like, sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves right before serving for an extra layer of flavor and a fresh pop of color.

How to Serve Easy American Goulash Recipe

Garnishes

I always love topping this goulash with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves. The cheese melts right into the warm pasta, adding a salty, nutty dimension, while the sweet, aromatic basil brightens every bite. Sometimes I even add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick—if your crew likes spice, try it!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to brighten the meal up a bit. Garlic bread or simple dinner rolls are great too—perfect for mopping up that savory sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or casual dinner parties, I’ve served this American goulash in individual mini-casseroles topped with mozzarella and baked until bubbly. It makes it feel a little extra special without any extra fuss. You could also spoon it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover American goulash stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. I usually separate some into smaller portions for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat leftover goulash, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, splash in some water or broth to loosen it up. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy American Goulash Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so darn dependable—and delicious. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or looking for a cozy meal on a chilly night, it never lets me down. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and again, tweaking it your way and sharing it with the people you love. So grab those simple ingredients and get cookin’—you’re about to make something really special and satisfying.

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