I cook tender macaroni and hearty ground beef, all tossed in a well-seasoned tomato sauce along with plenty of cheese. Doesn’t that sound like the ultimate kid-friendly dinner? This easy pasta dish is a classic that just never gets old for me! You just can’t beat a good one-pot meal for it’s ease of cooking, and cleanup. Some of my top picks around here are Brunswick Stew, Mexican Rice Casserole, and of course, Chili. Now this American Goulash is another fine example. It’s so easy, and is such a hearty meal that everyone will leave the table satisfied.
What is American Goulash?
American Goulash, also known as slumgullion, is a ground beef and pasta dish, which has been mentioned in cookbooks since the early 1900’s. It is not to be confused with Hungarian Goulash, which is a hearty stew-like beef soup. It rose in popularity during the great depression, as it is budget friendly, can feed a large crowd, and can even be made using leftover ingredients. The ground beef simmers in a tomato-based sauce, which is typically seasoned with onion, garlic, paprika and other flavor enhancers. The pasta cooks right in the sauce. It’s very similar to American Chop Suey and Johnny Marzetti, however the latter often includes sausage and more vegetables, and typically gets topped with cheese and baked at the end.
Ingredients Needed
Olive oil Ground beef – I use 85/15 lean ground sirloin. Veggies and aromatics – Onion, bell pepper and garlic. The sauce base – Tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and beef broth. Seasonings – Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Pasta – Elbow macaroni. Cheese – Medium cheddar.
American Goulash Recipe
- Sauté veggies and aromatics: I heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Then, I add onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they start to get soft. Next, I add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Brown the meat: I add in the ground beef, break it up with a wooden spoon, and cook, stirring from time to time, until it is no longer pink. Then, I add Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Create the sauce: Next, I add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaves. I bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: I remove the bay leaves, stir in the macaroni pasta, and cook it until it’s just a bit firmer than my desired tenderness, about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir in cheese: Finally, I stir in the cheese and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has melted and mixed in well.
Alpana’s Tips
Use 85/15 ground beef. I prefer using 85/15 ground beef because it has just the right amount of fat to add flavor and make the ground beef tender without making the dish too greasy. If I want, I can easily skim some of the grease off the top later in the cooking process. Be generous with seasonings. If you want flavorful food, you have to put flavor in your food. Don’t rush it. I consider simmering the sauce for 20 minutes to be a minimum. If you have more time, simmer longer. Want to use fresh herbs? Swap the dried Italian seasoning for 2 tablespoons each of fresh oregano, basil and thyme. I always use freshly shredded block cheese. It tastes better and melts better.
Serving Suggestions
This Goulash is a hearty meal, complete with protein, carbs and veggies. However, if you would like a little something on the side, some top picks are my easy No Knead Bread and Caesar Salad.
Variations
You can make a leaner Goulash by swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey. You can also omit the cheese if you wish. I like adding extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn. Add some kidney beans to make it extra hearty. Chili mac, anyone? Some times I swap the regular paprika for smoked paprika to give it a different flavor profile.
If you’ve never tried this old time classic pasta comfort food, now is the time. American Goulash has been enjoyed for generations, and once you try it, you’ll see why. Cook up a big batch tonight, and watch those smiles light up around the table! I have plenty more amazing dishes from all around the world coming your way. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our mailing list so you’re always in the loop. Until next time…
American Goulash, on our Gypsy Plate… enjoy!
Try these other comforting pasta dishes!Spaghetti with Meat SauceCreamy Sausage PastaGigi Hadid PastaMexican SpaghettiCajun Shrimp PastaKielbasa PastaFrutti di Mare
