American Goulash
American Goulash is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 700 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 13 min | Total: 1 hr 38 min
Cost: $15.52 total, $2.59 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin, for sautéing)
- 1 large Onion (diced)
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (80% lean, preferably grass‑fed)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt (kosher or table salt)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 teaspoons Paprika (Hungarian preferred, Spanish acceptable)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Herb Mix (dry blend)
- 1.5 leaves Bay Leaves (about one and a half leaves)
- 0.25 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz, drained)
- 24 ounce Marinara Sauce (jarred, any brand)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (dry, any small pasta shape works)
- 0.25 cup Italian Parsley (chopped fresh)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional, can be used as garnish)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, optional topping)
Instructions
Heat Oil and Begin Browning
Add olive oil to the pot over medium‑high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and the 2 lb ground beef. Break the meat up with a flat wooden spatula, spreading it thinly.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: medium-high
Dry the Bottom of the Pan
Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of the released moisture evaporates and the bottom of the pot looks dry.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium-high
Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, Italian herb mix, and bay leaves. Sauté for 3–4 minutes to toast the aromatics.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium-high
Introduce Wet Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and splash of soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium-high
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: medium
Optional Fat Skim
If desired, skim off excess beef fat that rises to the surface.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Cook the Macaroni in the Sauce
Increase heat to medium‑high and bring the mixture back to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook, stirring every 2–3 minutes, until the pasta is just tender (about 12 minutes).
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium-high
Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts into the sauce.
Time: PT2M
Rest the Goulash
Cover the pot and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to finish absorbing liquid.
Time: PT5M
Serve and Garnish
Uncover, give a final stir, and serve hot. Top each portion with extra shredded cheddar, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and optional grated Parmesan.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 700
- Protein
- 44g
- Carbohydrates
- 34g
- Fat
- 42g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains meat, High protein, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains soy
Allergens: Dairy, Soy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
- Instead of Italian Herb Mix: dried oregano and basil (1 tsp each)
- Instead of Bay Leaves: dried thyme (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Broth: water, vegetable broth
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes (2 cups)
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: crushed tomatoes with herbs (1 cup)
- Instead of Soy Sauce: Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: small shells, ditalini
- Instead of Italian Parsley: flat‑leaf parsley
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: shredded mozzarella, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Flat Wooden Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ladle
- Grater (optional)
- Serving Bowls (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef until the pan bottom is dry
- Toasting garlic and spices to awaken flavor
- Simmering the sauce for 30 minutes for depth
- Cooking the macaroni directly in the sauce
- Resting the finished goulash with cheese
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use grass‑fed beef for richer flavor and better texture.
- A splash of soy sauce adds umami without making the dish taste Asian.
- If you like a cheesy crust, place the pot under a broiler for 2 minutes after adding cheese.
Troubleshooting
The sauce is too thick before adding pasta.
Add a splash of water or broth until it reaches a thin‑but‑simmering consistency.
Pasta ends up undercooked or mushy.
Adjust cooking time; test a piece at 10 minutes and continue in 2‑minute increments. If too watery, uncover and simmer a few minutes longer.
The dish tastes bland.
Taste after the 30‑minute simmer and add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a dash more soy sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to 4°C within 2 hours; store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce (steps 1‑5) a day ahead and refrigerate; add pasta fresh when ready to serve.
- Cook the macaroni separately, rinse, and store; combine with sauce and reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of American Goulash in United States comfort food cuisine?
American Goulash, often called Beefaroni, grew out of school cafeteria meals in the 1970s, blending Hungarian‑style goulash spices with a tomato‑based pasta casserole. It became a nostalgic comfort dish for many Americans, representing affordable, one‑pot family meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of American Goulash in American cuisine?
While the basic recipe uses ground beef, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni, some Midwestern versions add kidney beans or use beef broth instead of chicken broth. In the South, a bit of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning may be added for extra heat.
How is American Goulash traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically served hot straight from the pot, topped with extra shredded cheddar and fresh parsley, alongside buttered white bread or a simple green salad. Some families also sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor.
What occasions or celebrations is American Goulash traditionally associated with in American culture?
American Goulash is a go‑to dish for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and school‑related fundraisers because it feeds a crowd, uses pantry staples, and can be made ahead. It’s also a nostalgic favorite at family reunions and casual gatherings.
How does American Goulash fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort food ethos: simple, hearty, and made in one pot. The combination of meat, pasta, cheese, and tomato sauce mirrors other classics like macaroni‑and‑cheese and sloppy joes, offering familiar flavors with a twist of Hungarian spices.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for American Goulash versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, elbow macaroni, canned diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, paprika, and shredded cheddar. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for beef, any small pasta shape for elbow macaroni, and a blend of crushed tomatoes with herbs instead of jarred marinara.
What other American dishes pair well with American Goulash?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread, or a simple coleslaw balance the richness of the goulash. For a fuller meal, serve with baked beans or a side of roasted vegetables.
What makes American Goulash special or unique in American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the blend of Hungarian paprika and cayenne with a classic American tomato‑pasta casserole, plus the secret umami boost from soy sauce. The one‑pot method also makes it especially convenient for busy households.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making American Goulash at home?
Common errors include adding the pasta too early (it absorbs flavor poorly), not drying the meat bottom before seasoning (resulting in a watery sauce), and skipping the 30‑minute simmer which develops depth. Also, over‑salting the soy sauce can make the dish too salty.
Why does this American Goulash recipe use soy sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Chef John uses soy sauce for a clean, salty umami note that blends seamlessly with the tomato base, whereas Worcestershire adds a sweeter, tangier flavor. The soy sauce keeps the dish simple while still delivering that hidden depth of flavor.
Can I make American Goulash ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the sauce up to step 5, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add the pasta and cheese when you’re ready to serve, or reheat the whole dish and stir in fresh cheese at the end.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making American Goulash?
The sauce should be thick but glossy, with the bottom of the pot dry after browning the meat. The macaroni should be fully cooked, plump, and coated in the sauce, while the cheese should melt into a creamy, slightly stretchy layer.
What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step video recipes that blend humor with clear culinary instruction, covering a wide range of cuisines and skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Food Wishes focuses on practical home‑cooking techniques, often adding unique twists (like soy sauce in American Goulash) while keeping recipes simple enough for everyday cooks. Chef John’s narration and visual cues make the process easy to follow compared to more production‑heavy channels.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
