Old-Fashioned American Goulash

Absolutely! This old-fashioned American goulash is the classic comforting version made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, onions, and simple seasonings. It’s an easy one-pot family dinner and is sometimes called American chop suey.

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
3. Build the sauce: Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors come together.
5. Add the macaroni: Stir the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Cover loosely and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. Cook until the macaroni is tender but not mushy.
6. Add cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if using. Let the goulash sit for 3–5 minutes so the sauce can thicken.
7. Serve: Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley and a little extra cheddar cheese.

❤️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8

💡 Old-Fashioned Goulash Tips

• Stir frequently once the macaroni goes in to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue softening in the hot sauce.
• For extra richness, use 80/20 ground beef.
• Want it cheesier? Add another ½ cup of cheddar on top before serving.
• Leftovers make a fantastic next-day lunch; store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

This is the kind of simple, hearty dinner that tastes like home—one big pot, plenty of beef and macaroni, and lots of tomatoey comfort. ❤️🍲