Beef Goulash
Beef Goulash is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Ms Brenda Dee on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $14.10 total, $2.35 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Chuck (80% lean, fresh)
- 1 large Green Bell Pepper (seeded and finely diced)
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Onion Powder
- 2 tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 12 ounces Elbow Macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (28 oz) Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) Tomato Sauce
- 0.5 cup Water (or beef broth for richer flavor)
Instructions
Prep vegetables and pasta water
Finely dice the green bell pepper and chop the onion. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the macaroni.
Time: PT10M
Brown the ground beef
Heat the large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the ground chuck and break it up with a wooden spoon, cooking until no pink remains, about 8–10 minutes. Cover with a lid halfway through to retain moisture.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium-high
Add vegetables and seasonings
Add the diced bell pepper and chopped onion to the pot. Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add tomato sauce and liquid
Pour in the 28‑oz can of tomato sauce, the 15‑oz can of tomato sauce, and ½ cup water (or beef broth). Stir to combine.
Time: PT2M
Simmer the goulash
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: low
Cook the macaroni
While the goulash simmers, cook the elbow macaroni in the boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Drain in a colander, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Combine pasta with goulash
Add the drained macaroni to the pot of goulash. Stir gently to coat the pasta. Let sit for 2 minutes; add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low
Serve
Ladle the beef goulash into bowls. Optional: top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve with cornbread.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 38g
- Fat
- 13g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Can be made dairy‑free by omitting cheese
Allergens: Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chuck: Ground beef (85% lean), Ground turkey
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper, Yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Onion: Yellow onion, White onion
- Instead of Onion Powder: Fresh minced onion
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Any short pasta, Gluten‑free pasta
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes, Marinara sauce
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes, Marinara sauce
- Instead of Water: Beef broth
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Can Opener
- Colander
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown ground beef until no pink remains.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente and combine while hot.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of sweet and hot canned tomatoes for a balanced flavor.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
- For a cheesy twist, stir in shredded cheddar during the final 2 minutes of cooking.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick after simmering.
Stir in a little extra water, broth, or reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Ground beef remains pink in spots.
Continue cooking over medium‑high heat, breaking up the meat, until all pink disappears and the meat reaches 160°F.
Pasta is mushy.
Cook pasta al dente according to package timing and drain immediately; reserve cooking water to adjust sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tomato sauce mixture a day ahead and refrigerate; add meat and pasta when ready to serve.
- The cooked goulash freezes well; reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Beef Goulash in American comfort food cuisine?
Beef goulash in the United States evolved from Central European goulash, adapting the stew concept with ground beef and pasta for a quick, family‑friendly one‑pot meal. It became popular in mid‑20th‑century home cooking as an affordable, hearty dish that could feed a crowd.
What regional variations of Beef Goulash exist within American cuisine?
In the Midwest, cooks often add carrots and celery, while in the South you might find a touch of Cajun seasoning or serve it with cornbread. Some families substitute elbow macaroni with egg noodles or add shredded cheese to turn it into a chili‑mac style dish.
How is Beef Goulash traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the pot, ladled over a bed of cooked macaroni, and often accompanied by a slice of crusty bread or oven‑baked cornbread. A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top is a common finishing touch.
During what occasions is Beef Goulash commonly prepared in American culture?
Beef goulash is a go‑to dish for family weeknight dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings because it can be made in large batches with minimal fuss. It’s also popular for game‑day meals and as a comforting meal on cold evenings.
What authentic ingredients define traditional American Beef Goulash versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional American beef goulash uses ground chuck, canned tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, and basic seasonings like onion powder and garlic powder. Substitutes include ground turkey for a leaner version, gluten‑free pasta for those with sensitivities, or beef broth instead of water for richer flavor.
What other American dishes pair well with Beef Goulash?
Serve it alongside a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of buttery cornbread. A crisp coleslaw or pickles can add a refreshing contrast to the rich stew.
What makes Beef Goulash special in the context of American comfort food cuisine?
Its appeal lies in the combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and comforting pasta—all cooked in one pot, which saves time and dishes. The dish balances protein, carbs, and vegetables, making it a balanced, satisfying meal.
How has Beef Goulash evolved over time in American home cooking?
Originally a simple stew, modern versions incorporate convenience ingredients like canned sauce and pre‑shredded cheese, and many home cooks now add extra veggies such as peas, corn, or carrots. The recipe has also been adapted for low‑fat or gluten‑free diets.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Beef Goulash at home?
Common errors include under‑cooking the ground beef, over‑cooking the pasta so it becomes mushy, and letting the sauce reduce too much without adding liquid. Also, seasoning too early can cause a bland final flavor; taste and adjust after the sauce is added.
Why does this Beef Goulash recipe use a large pot and not a skillet?
A large pot provides enough depth for the meat, vegetables, and pasta to cook evenly and allows the sauce to simmer without splattering. A skillet would not hold enough liquid for the pasta and could lead to uneven cooking.
What does the YouTube channel Ms Brenda Dee specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ms Brenda Dee focuses on home‑style, family‑friendly cooking tutorials that emphasize comfort foods, easy one‑pot meals, and practical kitchen tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Ms Brenda Dee's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Ms Brenda Dee’s approach is centered on relatable, down‑to‑earth cooking with minimal equipment, often sharing personal anecdotes and encouraging viewers to customize recipes. Unlike more production‑heavy channels, she keeps the instruction straightforward and accessible for beginners.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
