Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food)

When it comes to timeless, satisfying meals that bring people together, few dishes can compete with Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food). This beloved one-pot dinner has been passed down through generations of American households, earning its place as a staple in family kitchens across the country. Hearty, filling, affordable, and incredibly easy to make, American goulash is the definition of comfort food done right.

This Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) combines simple pantry staples like ground beef, macaroni noodles, and tomato sauce into a rich, savory dish that tastes like home. Whether you grew up eating goulash at your grandmother’s table or you’re discovering it for the first time, this recipe delivers everything you want from a cozy, nostalgic meal.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn not only how to make the best Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food), but also why it has stood the test of time, how to customize it for your family, how to store and reheat leftovers, and how to make it even better with small upgrades. If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner that works for busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike, this is the recipe you’ve been searching for.

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What Is American Goulash?

American goulash is often confused with Hungarian goulash, but the two dishes are very different. While Hungarian goulash is more of a soup or stew seasoned heavily with paprika, Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) is a pasta-based dish featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles.

In the United States, American goulash is sometimes called:

• American chop suey

• Slumgullion

• Beef and macaroni

• Old-fashioned goulash

Despite the different names, the concept remains the same: a simple, affordable, one-pot meal that stretches ingredients and feeds a crowd. The beauty of this Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) lies in its flexibility, simplicity, and comforting flavors.

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Why This Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) Works

There’s a reason this dish has remained popular for decades. This Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) checks all the boxes for a perfect family meal:

• Quick and easy – Ready in about 35 minutes

• One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup

• Budget-friendly – Uses inexpensive ingredients

• Kid-approved – Familiar flavors everyone loves

• Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day

• Customizable – Easy to adapt for different tastes

Whether you’re cooking for a large family, meal prepping for the week, or feeding guests, this recipe delivers consistent, comforting results every time.

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Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) – Recipe Overview

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10

This Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) is designed to serve a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or leftovers that last for days.

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Ingredients for Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food)

One of the best things about this dish is that it relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients. You likely already have most of these in your pantry.

Ingredients List

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 lbs lean ground beef

• 3 tsp garlic, minced

• 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce

• 2 (15 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes

• 3 cups beef broth

• 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tsp seasoned salt

• 2 Tbsp Italian seasoning

• 3 bay leaves

• 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Each ingredient plays an important role in building the flavor and texture of this Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food).

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Once cooked, drain any excess grease and return the pot to the stove. This step ensures your Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) is rich but not greasy.

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2. Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

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3. Build the Goulash

Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and uncooked macaroni noodles. Stir everything together until well combined.

This is where the magic happens. All the flavors come together to create the signature taste of Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food).

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4. Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle boil. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Stirring occasionally prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

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5. Finish & Serve

Remove the bay leaves and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding creaminess and richness.

Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) experience.

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Tips for the Best Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food)

Use Lean Ground Beef

Lean ground beef keeps the dish from becoming overly greasy while still providing rich flavor.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Macaroni continues to soften as it sits. Cook just until tender for the best texture.

Season to Taste

Taste the goulash before serving and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.

Make It Cheesier

Add extra cheddar cheese or mix in mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Stir Occasionally

This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

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Customization Ideas

One of the biggest advantages of Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) is how adaptable it is.

Add Vegetables

• Mushrooms

• Zucchini

• Corn

• Peas

Make It Spicy

• Red pepper flakes

• Hot sauce

• Diced jalapeños

Change the Protein

• Ground turkey

• Ground chicken

• Plant-based meat alternatives

Swap the Pasta

• Elbow macaroni

• Shell pasta

• Whole wheat pasta

• Gluten-free pasta

These variations allow you to enjoy Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) in new ways without losing its comforting essence.

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Why This Dish Is Perfect for Busy Families

Modern life is busy, and not everyone has hours to spend in the kitchen. That’s why Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) remains so popular. It’s quick, filling, and made in one pot, which means less time cooking and cleaning.

It’s also a great recipe for teaching beginner cooks. The steps are straightforward, forgiving, and hard to mess up. Even novice cooks can achieve delicious results with this recipe.

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Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

Make-Ahead

You can prepare this Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container

• Refrigerate for 3–4 days

Freezing

• Freeze in individual portions

• Store for up to 3 months

Reheating

• Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat

• Add a splash of broth or water if needed

Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Print

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 388 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 20 g

• Protein: 22 g

• Fat: 24 g

• Saturated Fat: 10 g

• Cholesterol: 76 mg

• Sodium: 918 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 2 g

This Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fats, making it a hearty meal that keeps you full.

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Why Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) Is a Timeless Classic

There’s something special about recipes that stand the test of time. Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) has survived changing food trends because it meets a universal need: a warm, filling, comforting meal that brings people together.

It’s not fancy. It doesn’t require special ingredients. But it delivers satisfaction in every bite. That’s why it continues to be loved by families across generations.

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Final Thoughts

This Easy Goulash Recipe (Classic American Comfort Food) is more than just a simple dinner—it’s a reminder of how powerful uncomplicated food can be. With minimal prep, basic ingredients, and one pot, you can create a meal that’s comforting, filling, and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, feeding a crowd, or just craving something warm and nostalgic, this recipe delivers every time. Its flexibility allows you to make it your own, while its classic flavor keeps everyone coming back for seconds.