Grandma's American Goulash

This hearty American Goulash recipe has been in my family for generations, bringing comfort and nostalgia to our dinner table for as long as I can remember. The tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce create the perfect one-pot meal that satisfies everyone from picky toddlers to discerning adults.

The first time I made this goulash was during a particularly hectic week when my kids had activities every night. I was shocked at how quickly it came together and even more surprised when my pickiest eater asked for seconds. Now it appears on our monthly rotation without fail.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base. Look for 80/20 lean to fat ratio for best flavor without excessive grease
• Onion and garlic: Create the aromatic foundation. Fresh is always best here
• Tomato sauce: Offers smooth consistency while diced tomatoes add texture and chunks
• Tomato paste: Deepens the flavor with concentrated richness. Worth adding even though it's optional
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds that mysterious umami element that makes people ask what your secret is
• Italian seasoning blend: Saves time but you can customize with oregano, basil and thyme
• Paprika: Brings subtle warmth and color. Hungarian paprika works wonderfully if you have it
• Elbow macaroni: Cooks directly in the sauce absorbing all those amazing flavors
• Cheddar cheese: Creates a delicious melty topping that kids particularly love

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat:

Add ground beef and diced onion to a large dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks until no pink remains and the onions turn translucent about 5 to 7 minutes. If there's excess grease carefully drain it off leaving just enough for flavor.

Add Aromatics and Seasonings:

Toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for about 60 seconds until everything becomes wonderfully fragrant. This brief cooking blooms the dried herbs and spices releasing their essential oils.

Create the Sauce Base:

Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir thoroughly scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These caramelized bits contain concentrated flavor that enriches your sauce.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before adding your uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking especially near the bottom. The pasta will absorb the liquid while cooking resulting in incredibly flavorful macaroni.

Final Touches:

Once the pasta reaches your preferred tenderness carefully taste and adjust seasonings. Now decide whether to stir in the cheese for a creamy consistency or sprinkle it over top and cover briefly for a melty cheese layer. Both approaches are delicious.

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The Worcestershire sauce is my secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother swore by it and would never make goulash without it. She claimed it was what separated a good goulash from an exceptional one. After years of making this dish I completely agree with her wisdom.

Make It Your Own

This goulash recipe welcomes endless customization. For a spicier version add a diced jalapeño with the onions or stir in red pepper flakes. Vegetable lovers can add diced bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. Ground turkey works beautifully as a leaner alternative to beef though I recommend adding a tablespoon of olive oil when browning to compensate for the lower fat content.

Perfect Pairings

American Goulash stands perfectly fine on its own as a complete meal but simple sides elevate the experience. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta. Garlic bread or buttery Texas toast offers the perfect vehicle for sopping up any remaining sauce. For a truly Midwestern experience serve with dill pickle spears on the side; their acidity cuts through the richness beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover goulash in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices meld further. When reheating add a splash of beef broth or water as the pasta continues absorbing liquid even during storage. Microwave covered for best results or reheat gently on the stovetop stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Adjust cooking time as needed.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to taste while simmering the sauce.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.

→ What sides pair well with American Goulash?

Serve with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens for a balanced meal.

→ Can I add cheese directly into the goulash?

Yes, stirring shredded cheddar or Parmesan into the cooked goulash can create a creamy, cheesy texture.