Before we get into this belly-warming, soul-soothing classic, let me just say—thank you for sharing a recipe like this. Because if you know, you know: some meals just feel like home. And this big pot of mom’s American goulash is exactly that kind of meal. 💛
It’s hearty, saucy, cheesy, and full of ground beef, tender pasta, and tomatoes that simmer together in one big pot of comfort. The kind of meal that stretches to feed a crowd, reheats like a dream, and smells like your childhood kitchen.
So grab your Dutch oven and your appetite, because this one’s a keeper!
Want this recipe delivered straight to your inbox?
📩 Subscribe here for weekly comforting classics!
What Is American Goulash?
Unlike Hungarian goulash (which is a paprika-heavy stew), American goulash is a nostalgic, one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, seasonings, and elbow macaroni. It’s been served at family tables, school cafeterias, and church potlucks for generations—and everyone’s mama has their own twist.
This version? Loaded with flavor, slow-simmered goodness, and a cheesy finish. Mom knew what she was doing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot wonder – Less mess, more flavor
- Fills you up without breaking the bank
- Crowd-pleaser – Great for picky eaters and big families
- Perfect for leftovers – Even better the next day
- Customizable – Make it your own with add-ins or swaps
What Does It Taste Like?
Every spoonful is a perfect mix of tender ground beef, juicy tomatoes, al dente macaroni, and a slow-simmered tomato sauce full of garlic, herbs, and seasoning. The cheese melts into the mix just enough to bring everything together in a creamy, savory finish.
It’s rich, flavorful, and 100% comforting. Exactly how mom intended.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this old-school favorite:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or turkey)
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2½ cups water
- ½ cup beef broth
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Grater (if shredding your own cheese—do it, it’s worth it!)
Optional Add-Ins
- Bell peppers – diced and sautéed with the onion
- Mushrooms – for extra heartiness
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes – for a spicy kick
- Spinach or kale – stirred in at the end
- Extra cheese – we won’t tell 😉
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), water, beef broth, Italian seasoning, Adobo, seasoned salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
4. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally to let all the flavors meld.
5. Add Pasta
Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for 10–12 more minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Cheese
Remove bay leaves. Stir in mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot, topped with a little extra cheese or parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Or just dig in with a big spoon like we always did!
What to Serve With American Goulash
- Garlic bread or Texas toast
- Side salad with ranch or Italian dressing
- Steamed green beans or peas
- Pickles or sliced cucumbers (trust me—great contrast!)
- Iced sweet tea or lemonade
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta – it will continue to soften in the hot sauce.
- Use fresh garlic and onion – it makes a big difference in flavor.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—it thickens up beautifully.
- Make ahead – this dish tastes even better the next day!
- Freeze leftovers – portion into freezer bags or containers and reheat for quick meals.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen.
- Freeze: Freeze in individual servings for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta?
Absolutely! Rotini, shells, or penne all work—just watch the cook time.
What’s the difference between this and spaghetti?
Spaghetti uses long noodles and often a smoother sauce. Goulash is thicker, chunkier, and includes cheese and elbow macaroni.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use a plant-based meat substitute or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
Is this the same as American Chop Suey?
Pretty much! Different regions use different names, but the ingredients are almost identical.
Final Thoughts
Mom’s American Goulash is one of those recipes that never goes out of style. It’s comforting, simple, and made to be shared. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just craving something warm and familiar, this dish hits every note.
It’s not just food—it’s a memory in a bowl. 💛
More Cozy One-Pot Meals You’ll Love
- Creamy Beef & Shells
- Southern Chicken & Rice Skillet
- Cheesy Sausage Pasta Bake
- Stuffed Pepper Soup
Did You Make It? Let’s See! 🍴
✨ Leave a review or comment below
📸 Tag your goulash pics on Instagram or Pinterest—I’d love to see them!
📌 Pin this recipe for busy weeknights!
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 475
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 890mg
Nutritional info may vary depending on ingredients and brands used.
Leave a Reply