American goulash is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. This easy, one-pot meal comes together quickly, offering a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will love.

American goulash is the perfect comfort food, especially when the weather turns chilly. This simple, one-pot meal is just what you need on a cold winter evening, and it’s quick enough to whip up even on your busiest nights.

A Hearty Meal for Busy Days

Life can be hectic, and we could all use an easy recipe that delivers a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. This classic American goulash checks all the boxes. It's not only a breeze to make, but for us, almost everything—except the pasta—was grown right here on our homestead. That makes it even more special.

This dish is pure comfort food, blending pasta with a rich tomato sauce to create a meal that comes together quickly. It's a favorite in our home and has become a regular on our dinner table, especially when the weather cools off. The whole family loves it, and it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.

What is American Goulash?

Traditional goulash is a Hungarian dish, much like a beef stew, typically made with stew meat and without pasta. The American version, also known as American chop suey, is quite different. It’s more like a skillet lasagna in both flavor and ingredients, with pasta as a key component.

The best part about this easy goulash recipe is that it’s simple, quick, and requires minimal hands-on time—making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. While I prefer to boil the macaroni separately to avoid the starchy flavor it can add, you can certainly make this a true one-pot meal by cooking the pasta right in the beefy tomato sauce.

Classic American Goulash Ingredients

One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it doesn’t require a long list of ingredients. It’s simple yet incredibly delicious.

Ground Beef – Grass-fed beef is wonderful if you have it, but you can also use ground venison, which is equally delicious. If you’re using venison and want to eliminate the “gamey” flavor, just add ½ tablespoon of red wine vinegar.

Onion – Finely diced so it blends well into the dish.

Diced Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes make this recipe easy to prepare.

Beef Broth – Enhances the beefy flavor of the dish.

Tomato Sauce – Just like in a good Bolognese or lasagna, you need a rich tomato sauce.

Italian Seasoning – You can purchase it or make your own blend.

Salt – To bring out the flavors.

Black Pepper – For a bit of seasoning.

Granulated Sugar – Optional, but I like to add a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Elbow Macaroni Noodles – I cook these to al dente separately, but you can add them uncooked to the pot if you prefer.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds just the right flavor to this tomato-based dish.

How to Make American Goulash

Start by placing the ground beef, onions, and Italian seasoning in a large Dutch oven or other large pot. Brown the meat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks, and drain off any excess fat. Return everything to the pot.

Next, add the tomato sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes while you cook the macaroni in a separate saucepan until just al dente.

If you prefer, you can add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot with the other ingredients and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches al dente. Personally, I find that cooking the pasta separately yields a better flavor.

Once everything has simmered and the macaroni is cooked, combine the pasta with the sauce in the pot and give it a good stir. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Tips for Leftovers: How to Reheat, Refrigerate, and Freeze

One of the great things about this American goulash recipe is how well it keeps as leftovers. If you find yourself with extra, you can easily store it for later.

Refrigerate: Allow the goulash to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a large pan over medium heat until it's warmed through.

Freeze: To freeze, let the goulash cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the goulash in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stove over medium heat until it’s hot and ready to serve.

Reheat: Whether you're reheating from the fridge or after thawing from the freezer, make sure to stir the goulash occasionally while it warms up to ensure even heating.

A Comforting Dish for Any Occasion

American goulash is more than just a quick and easy meal; it’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or saving leftovers for a quick lunch later in the week, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a fresh salad, some roasted veggies, and a slice of crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy!

If you give this hearty American goulash recipe a try, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to leave a review on the recipe card, and tag me on Instagram with your creations @therusticelk!