Homemade Goulash
Homemade Goulash is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Beverly Black on YouTube.
Prep: 7 min | Cook: 58 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $15.64 total, $2.61 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, fresh)
- 1 each Onion (Medium, diced)
- 1 each Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
- 2 can Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz each, no added salt)
- 2 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz each, plain)
- 1 tbsp Garlic (Minced fresh garlic)
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (Dried herb blend)
- 3 leaves Bay Leaves (Dried)
- 1 tsp Salt (To taste)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (Ground, to taste)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (Low‑sodium)
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni (Dry)
- 1 pinch Paprika (For color and mild flavor)
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheese (optional) (Parmesan, cheddar, or any preferred cheese)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the onion and green bell pepper into small pieces and mince the garlic.
Time: PT5M
Brown Ground Beef
Heat the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium-high
Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Drain Excess Liquid
If there is a lot of rendered liquid, carefully tilt the pot and drain it off.
Time: PT2M
Add Tomatoes and Sauce
Stir in the two cans of diced tomatoes and the two cans of tomato sauce until evenly combined.
Time: PT2M
Season the Base
Add the Italian seasoning, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir briefly.
Time: PT1M
Simmer the Sauce
Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: low
Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, add the whole 1‑lb box of elbow macaroni, and sprinkle a pinch of paprika. Stir to combine.
Time: PT3M
Cook Pasta
Cover the pot, lower the heat to low, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the macaroni is al dente, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: low
Finish and Serve
Remove and discard the bay leaves, adjust salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot. Top with shredded cheese if desired and enjoy with cornbread or crusty Italian bread.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy (optional)
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper, Yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes (about 3 cups), Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes, Passata
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano + dried basil (½ tbsp each)
- Instead of Bay Leaves: Dried thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Other short pasta shapes
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Shredded Cheese (optional): Any meltable cheese
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Can Opener
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef to develop flavor
- Draining excess fat to avoid a greasy dish
- Simmering the tomato base before adding pasta
- Cooking the elbow macaroni until al dente
- Removing bay leaves before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, add a splash of red wine after browning the beef and let it reduce before adding tomatoes.
- A pinch of sugar can balance the acidity of the canned tomatoes if needed.
- Stirring the pot occasionally during the final pasta stage prevents the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
Troubleshooting
The goulash is too watery after cooking the pasta.
Uncover the pot and simmer for a few more minutes to evaporate excess liquid, or add a splash of tomato paste to thicken.
The pasta is mushy.
Reduce the simmer time next time and check the pasta a few minutes earlier; use al dente pasta for best texture.
The dish is too salty.
Add a little extra beef broth or a splash of unsalted tomato sauce to balance the salt, and adjust seasoning gradually.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the tomato‑beef sauce base a day ahead and refrigerate; add broth and pasta when ready to cook.
- Cook the elbow macaroni al dente separately, cool, and store; combine with sauce for a faster reheated meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Homemade Goulash in American cuisine?
American goulash, often called "American goulash" or "slumgullion," evolved from Hungarian goulash brought by immigrants and was adapted into a comforting, budget‑friendly casserole using ground beef and pasta, becoming a staple of mid‑20th‑century home cooking.
What are the traditional regional variations of Homemade Goulash in 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 corn. Some Southern versions replace pasta with rice or add cheese on top, reflecting local ingredient preferences.
How is Homemade Goulash traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the pot, often topped with shredded cheese, and accompanied by cornbread, crusty Italian bread, or a simple side salad. It is a family‑style, one‑pot meal meant for sharing.
What occasions or celebrations is Homemade Goulash traditionally associated with in American culture?
Homemade Goulash is popular for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, and community gatherings because it feeds a crowd affordably. It is also a nostalgic comfort food for holidays like Thanksgiving leftovers or post‑game meals.
How does Homemade Goulash fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort food ethos: simple, hearty, and adaptable. Like meatloaf or macaroni‑and‑cheese, it uses pantry staples, requires minimal equipment, and delivers a warm, satisfying flavor profile.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Homemade Goulash versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, elbow macaroni, onion, green pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and beef broth. Substitutes can be ground turkey for beef, different pasta shapes, fresh crushed tomatoes, or chicken broth.
What other American dishes pair well with Homemade Goulash?
Serve it alongside a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or buttery cornbread. A side of pickles or coleslaw adds a crisp contrast, and a glass of iced tea or a light lager complements the rich flavors.
What makes Homemade Goulash special or unique in American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the fusion of European goulash roots with American pantry staples like ground beef and elbow macaroni, creating a one‑pot, budget‑friendly casserole that balances tomato acidity with savory meat and comforting pasta.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Homemade Goulash?
Common mistakes include not browning the beef enough, which reduces flavor; adding too much liquid and ending up with a soupy texture; and overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy. Drain excess fat and monitor the pasta closely.
Why does this Homemade Goulash recipe use bay leaves instead of oregano?
Bay leaves add a subtle, aromatic depth that complements the tomato‑beef base without overpowering it, whereas oregano can be more pungent. The bay leaf is removed before serving, leaving a gentle background flavor.
Can I make Homemade Goulash ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce base a day ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container, and add the broth and pasta when ready to cook. Leftovers store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
What does the YouTube channel Beverly Black specialize in?
The YouTube channel Beverly Black focuses on home‑cooked, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Beverly Black's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Beverly Black emphasizes simplicity, minimal equipment, and personal storytelling, often sharing nostalgic memories while demonstrating straightforward techniques, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate plating or gourmet twists.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
