American Goulash
American Goulash is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by The Stay At Home Chef on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $14.31 total, $1.79 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, break up while cooking)
- 1 White Onion (Medium, diced)
- 3 tsp Minced Garlic (Fresh minced; can use garlic powder (1/2 tsp) as substitute)
- 1.5 tsp Chili Powder
- 0.5 tsp Paprika
- 3 cup Beef Broth (Low‑sodium preferred)
- 2 15 oz can Tomato Sauce (No added herbs needed)
- 2 15 oz can Diced Tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1.5 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground if possible)
- 0.5 lb Elbow Noodles (Can substitute any short pasta)
- 1.5 cup Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese (Approximately 6 oz; choose your favorite)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the white onion and set aside. Measure all spices, broth, and cheese.
Time: PT5M
Brown Beef and Onion
Heat the pot over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, for 7‑10 minutes until beef is browned and onion is soft.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Toast Spices
Add minced garlic, chili powder, and paprika to the pot. Stir and toast for about 90 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium‑low and let it simmer for 10‑15 minutes to develop flavor.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Medium‑low
Cook the Noodles
Add the elbow noodles to the pot, ensuring they are submerged. Simmer for another 10‑15 minutes until the noodles are al dente.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Medium‑low
Finish with Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese until fully melted and gooey.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Gluten‑containing, High protein
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of White Onion: Yellow onion, Sweet onion
- Instead of Minced Garlic: Garlic powder
- Instead of Chili Powder: Cajun seasoning
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano and basil blend
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Onion Powder: Granulated onion
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Elbow Noodles: Penne, Rotini
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener
- Cheese Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Drain excess grease after browning the beef
- Toast the spices briefly to release their aroma
- Simmer the sauce long enough for flavors to meld
- Cook the elbow noodles to al dente without overcooking
- Melt the cheese off the heat to prevent scorching
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and leanness.
- Toasting the spices, even briefly, adds a deeper, richer flavor profile.
- Low‑sodium broth lets you control the salt level more precisely.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick
Stir in additional beef broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles are over‑soft
Reduce cooking time by a couple of minutes or add the noodles later in the simmer.
Cheese clumps instead of melting smoothly
Remove the pot from heat, cover briefly, and stir continuously; add a splash of warm broth if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; reheat with a splash of broth
Room temperature: Not recommended; keep refrigerated
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce (steps 2‑5) a day ahead and refrigerate; add noodles and cheese when ready to serve
- Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the mixture looks thick
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of American goulash in United States cuisine?
American goulash evolved from Central European goulash brought by immigrants and was adapted into a comforting, budget‑friendly casserole that became popular in Midwestern home cooking during the early 20th century.
What are the traditional regional variations of American goulash across the United States?
In the Midwest, the dish often includes elbow macaroni and a tomato‑based sauce, while in the Southwest cooks may add chili powder or jalapeños for heat. Some Southern versions substitute ground turkey and add bell peppers.
How is American goulash traditionally served in American family meals?
It is typically served hot straight from the pot, often topped with shredded cheese and a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad, making it a hearty main course for dinner gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is American goulash traditionally associated with in American culture?
American goulash is a go‑to dish for casual family dinners, pot‑luck gatherings, and budget‑conscious holiday meals such as after‑Thanksgiving leftovers or community fundraisers.
How does American goulash fit into the broader comfort food tradition of American cuisine?
It embodies the comfort‑food ethos of using inexpensive pantry staples—ground meat, pasta, canned tomatoes—and turning them into a warm, filling, and satisfying one‑pot meal that feeds many.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for American goulash versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, elbow macaroni, canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and shredded cheese. Substitutes can be ground turkey or pork, other short pasta shapes, chicken broth, or different cheese varieties.
What other American dishes pair well with American goulash?
Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs nicely with a simple coleslaw or a side of baked beans for a classic American spread.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making American goulash?
Common errors include not draining excess grease, over‑cooking the noodles, and adding cheese while the pot is still on high heat, which can cause clumping. Follow the critical steps for draining, timing the noodles, and melting cheese off the heat.
Why does this American goulash recipe use beef broth instead of water?
Beef broth adds depth of flavor and richness that water cannot provide, enhancing the savory profile of the ground beef and tomato base while keeping the dish moist.
Can I make American goulash ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add the noodles and cheese when reheating; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.
What does the YouTube channel The Stay At Home Chef specialize in?
The Stay At Home Chef focuses on simple, budget‑friendly, family‑style recipes that can be made with everyday pantry ingredients, often featuring one‑pot meals and step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel The Stay At Home Chef's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
The Stay At Home Chef emphasizes minimal equipment, clear narration, and cost‑effective ingredient swaps, making classic American comfort dishes accessible to cooks of all skill levels, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet techniques or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
