American Goulash

This American Goulash is a comforting dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this hearty meal combines ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and tender macaroni. Its simplicity and delicious flavors make it a favorite for all ages. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this one-pot wonder is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one pot and minimal prep time, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Flavorful Comfort: The blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning creates a savory dish that’s bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to potlucks, this goulash is always a hit.
• Kid-Friendly: The combination of pasta and meat makes it appealing to kids while providing essential nutrients.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

To make American Goulash effortlessly, having the right kitchen tools can make a difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Can opener

Why These Tools Matter

• Large saucepan: Essential for cooking everything in one pot, saving you time and cleanup effort.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while evenly mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

This American Goulash is pure comfort food made all in one pot. Made with simple ingredients: ground beef, canned tomatoes and macaroni.

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

For the Tomato Base

• 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta, cooked (measured before cooking)

For Serving

• grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown and crumble 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 small diced onion and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes

Stir in the 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes (with juices) and the 8-ounce can of tomato sauce.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Season with 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Combine Pasta

Add in the cooked elbow macaroni pasta (1 cup) and stir until well combined. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your delicious American Goulash!

How to Serve American Goulash

American Goulash is a hearty meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate this comfort food to new heights.

Classic Presentation

• Serve in bowls – Ladle the goulash into deep bowls for a cozy presentation, perfect for family dinners.
• Top with cheese – Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Add Freshness

• Serve with a side salad – A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette pairs well, balancing the richness of the goulash.
• Include crusty bread – Offer slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the sauce.

Family Style

• Use a large serving dish – Present the goulash in a big bowl at the center of the table for a family-style meal.
• Garnish with herbs – Fresh basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top before serving for added color and freshness.

How to Perfect American Goulash

To ensure your American Goulash is a hit every time, consider these handy tips.

• Bold seasoning – Adjust salt and pepper to taste; don’t be afraid to add more Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Cook pasta al dente – This ensures it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
• Use quality ingredients – Fresh ground beef and ripe canned tomatoes make a significant difference in flavor.
• Let it simmer longer – Allowing the goulash to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes can deepen the flavors.
• Experiment with veggies – Add bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
• Make ahead – This dish can be made in advance and reheated, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for American Goulash

Pairing your American Goulash with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy and buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up leftover sauce.
2. Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the warmth of the goulash.
3. Steamed Green Beans – Lightly steamed green beans provide a nutritious contrast and vibrant color.
4. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob brings sweetness that pairs nicely with savory goulash.
5. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds depth of flavor and healthy balance.
6. Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting base that complements goulash perfectly.
7. Cucumber Salad – A tangy cucumber salad offers a refreshing bite alongside the hearty main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making American Goulash, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Not browning the meat properly: Failing to brown the ground beef well can result in a less flavorful dish. Make sure to cook it until it’s nicely browned for the best taste.
• Skipping the seasoning: Overlooking salt and pepper can lead to bland goulash. Always season your dish throughout the cooking process for a well-balanced flavor.
• Using uncooked pasta: Adding raw macaroni directly into the sauce will lead to uneven cooking. Cook your pasta beforehand for a perfect texture.
• Ignoring simmer time: Not allowing the goulash to simmer adequately can prevent flavors from melding. Always give it enough time on low heat for optimal taste.
• Choosing the wrong tomatoes: Using whole or diced tomatoes instead of crushed can alter the consistency. Stick with crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce that blends well with the pasta.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store American Goulash in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Ensure it cools down before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing American Goulash

• Place cooled American Goulash in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating American Goulash

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place goulash in an oven-safe dish, cover, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Transfer goulash to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir goulash until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Goulash?

American Goulash is a comforting one-pot dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. It’s simple yet satisfying, perfect for family meals.

How long does it take to make American Goulash?

The total time for preparing and cooking American Goulash is about 25 minutes, making it an ideal quick dinner option.

Can I customize my American Goulash?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or use different types of ground meat such as turkey or chicken for variation.

Is American Goulash healthy?

While delicious, it’s essential to enjoy American Goulash in moderation due to its calorie content. You can make it healthier by using lean ground meat and adding more veggies.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare American Goulash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat when ready to serve!

Conclusion

American Goulash is a versatile recipe that’s perfect for any weeknight meal. Its comforting blend of flavors makes it a favorite among families. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or extra veggies for added nutrition. Give this delightful recipe a try today!

---