American Goulash (Beef and Macaroni)
American Goulash (Beef and Macaroni) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 615 calories per serving. Recipe by Drew Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $10.15 total, $2.54 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean, preferably fresh)
- to taste Salt (seasoning)
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste (regular tomato paste)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, undrained)
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (8 oz)
- 1.25 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1.5 cups Elbow Macaroni (dry, large elbows)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp, grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Prep the aromatics
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure out all remaining ingredients so they’re ready to go.
Time: PT5M
Sauté onion
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté 5‑6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium heat
Add garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook 1‑2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Brown the beef
Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and break it up with the spoon. Cook 6‑7 minutes, stirring, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium heat
Incorporate tomato paste
Stir in 1 Tbsp tomato paste and cook 1 minute, allowing it to coat the meat and deepen the flavor.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Add liquids and seasonings
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and paprika. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium heat
Add the macaroni
Stir in 1.5 cups dry elbow macaroni, ensuring each piece is submerged in the liquid.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium heat
Simmer the goulash
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and cook 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: low simmer
Melt the cheese
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar over the top. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the goulash is creamy.
Time: PT2M
Garnish and serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for color, scoop portions into bowls, and enjoy hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 615
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 50 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Can be made dairy‑free with vegan cheese, Can be lowered in fat by using lean ground turkey
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Tomato Paste: tomato puree
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Beef Broth: chicken broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano and basil blend
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: any short pasta
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: mozzarella, colby jack
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener
- Serving Bowl
- Fork
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté onion until golden brown
- Brown ground beef thoroughly
- Simmer until macaroni is al dente
- Melt cheese fully
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce with the broth for deeper umami
- Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre‑shredded varieties
Troubleshooting
Macaroni is too mushy
Reduce simmer time next time and check pasta a minute or two earlier.
Sauce is too watery
Uncover the pan and simmer a few extra minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
Cheese doesn’t melt fully
Remove the pan from heat, cover briefly, and stir; ensure cheese is shredded finely.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool in an airtight container for 3‑4 days
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months in a freezer‑safe container
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the goulash up to step 8, let it cool, then refrigerate; reheat and add cheese just before serving
- Portion into freezer‑safe bags for quick meals; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of American Goulash in United States cuisine?
American Goulash, often called “American Chop Suey,” emerged in the early 20th century as a comfort food for working‑class families, blending European goulash concepts with pantry staples like macaroni and canned tomatoes. It became a staple of Midwestern and Southern home cooking, prized for its simplicity and heartiness.
What are the traditional regional variations of American Goulash within American cuisine?
In the Midwest, cooks often add bell peppers and a dash of hot sauce, while Southern versions may include a splash of Worcestershire sauce or use ground pork. Some families incorporate corn or peas for extra texture, reflecting local produce availability.
How is American Goulash traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically served hot straight from the skillet, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or shredded cheese, and accompanied by crusty bread or a simple green salad. In many households it’s a family‑style dish eaten straight from the pot at the table.
On what occasions or celebrations is American Goulash traditionally associated in American culture?
American Goulash is a go‑to dish for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and informal gatherings like game nights or backyard barbecues. Its one‑pot nature makes it popular for feeding a crowd without much fuss.
How does American Goulash fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort‑food ethos: inexpensive, filling, and adaptable. Like meatloaf, casseroles, and chili, it uses inexpensive proteins and pantry staples to create a warm, satisfying meal that evokes nostalgia.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for American Goulash versus acceptable modern substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, elbow macaroni, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, and shredded cheese. Modern substitutes can be ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, gluten‑free pasta for those with sensitivities, and vegan cheese for dairy‑free diets.
What other American side dishes pair well with American Goulash?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or buttery corn on the cob complement the rich, tomato‑based goulash nicely. A slice of garlic bread also adds a satisfying crunch.
What makes American Goulash special or unique in American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the fusion of European goulash flavors with classic American pantry items, creating a one‑pot, tomato‑rich casserole that’s both hearty and quick. The combination of beef, pasta, and cheese in a single dish is distinctly American.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making American Goulash at home?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta so it becomes mushy, not browning the beef enough which reduces flavor, and adding cheese too early causing it to separate. Follow the critical steps: brown the meat, simmer until the pasta is al dente, and melt cheese at the end.
Why does this American Goulash recipe simmer the pasta instead of boiling it separately?
Simmering the pasta directly in the sauce allows the starches to thicken the broth, creating a creamy, cohesive texture and infusing the noodles with the seasoned tomato‑beef flavor, which you wouldn’t get by boiling them separately.
What does the YouTube channel Drew Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Drew Cooks specializes in straightforward, budget‑friendly American home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on one‑pot meals, quick weeknight dinners, and classic comfort‑food recipes that require minimal equipment and ingredients.
How does the YouTube channel Drew Cooks' approach to American comfort‑food cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Drew Cooks emphasizes speed, simplicity, and pantry‑centric cooking, often using canned or frozen ingredients and avoiding elaborate techniques. This pragmatic style contrasts with channels that prioritize gourmet plating or complex culinary methods.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
