Homemade American Goulash Recipe

If there’s one dish that tastes like a warm hug from my childhood, it’s Homemade American Goulash. This beloved one-pot meal is packed with ground beef, smoky sausage, tender elbow macaroni, and a medley of veggies smothered in a tomato-rich, savory sauce. Every bite brings a blend of nostalgia and comfort, making it a favorite for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying family dinner or the perfect dish to bring to a potluck, Homemade American Goulash delivers that cozy, classic flavor you crave, all with minimal fuss and cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, honest ingredients really shine here, each playing a big role in making Homemade American Goulash so crave-worthy. These pantry staples meld together into hearty, vibrant flavors that just say “home.”

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for rich, meaty flavor without too much grease—this is the foundation of the dish.
• Smoked Sausage or Kielbasa (optional): Sliced sausage adds a whisper of smokiness and really boosts the overall savoriness.
• Onion: Diced onion delivers mellow sweetness and depth as it softens with the meat.
• Green Bell Pepper: Fresh, bright flavor and pleasing crunch—a goulash must!
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses aromatic warmth into every bite.
• Elbow Macaroni: This classic noodle absorbs all the sauce, making each spoonful abundant and hearty.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add tang and texture, plus a gorgeous burst of color.
• Tomato Sauce: Brings body and a luscious, thick consistency to your goulash sauce.
• Beef Broth: Blends with the tomatoes to create a saucy, savory base that soaks into the pasta.
• Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of dried herbs (think basil, oregano) lifts the sauce with familiar, comforting notes.
• Paprika: Just enough for subtle warmth and an enticing color.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for perfect seasoning—a pinch at the end brings everything together.
• Olive Oil: A little oil to brown your meats and saute the veggies to golden perfection.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped and scattered on top, parsley delivers freshness and a pop of green to finish.

How to Make Homemade American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start with a large, sturdy pot or deep skillet—this is your goulash central! Add a swirl of olive oil, and once it shimmers, toss in the ground beef along with the optional smoked sausage. Breaking up the beef as you go, cook until the meat is deeply browned and the sausage turns slightly crisp on the edges. Don’t forget to drain off the excess fat; this keeps your finished goulash deliciously hearty, not greasy.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

With the proteins browned and enticing, it’s time for the veggies to shine. Stir in your diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let them sauté gently for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. The onion and pepper will turn glossy and just tender, while the garlic makes your kitchen smell irresistible. This step sets the stage for all those deep, homey flavors coming up.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Seasoning

Now pour in your can of diced tomatoes and that silky tomato sauce, followed by the beef broth, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir well, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer. You’ll see the sauce deepen in color and everything start to mingle together into one big, aromatic hug.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Here comes the magic: stir the uncooked elbow macaroni straight into the pot with the sauce. Cover and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. The pasta will soak up all that saucy goodness while staying beautifully tender. The transformation is almost complete—you’re so close to comfort food nirvana!

Step 5: Serve

Take a moment to taste and season with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper. Sprinkle in fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal zest. Spoon your homemade goulash piping hot into big bowls and serve immediately—maybe with a hunk of garlic bread or a sprinkle of cheese if you’re feeling extra cozy.

How to Serve Homemade American Goulash

Garnishes

Homemade American Goulash is perfect as is but becomes even more inviting with a shower of fresh parsley or a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. A dash of red pepper flakes gives it a loving kick, and a swirl of sour cream can cool things down. Don’t forget a final grind of black pepper just before serving—it’s the finishing touch that brings every bowl to life.

Side Dishes

This dish shines with simple classics on the side: think crusty garlic bread for dipping into all that tomatoey sauce, a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette to balance the richness, or even gently steamed green beans. A side of pickles or coleslaw brings a bright, tangy contrast to all the heartiness on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, ladle your Homemade American Goulash into small bowls or mugs for cute, individual servings. Top each with a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of herbed ricotta for instant gourmet appeal. If you want to surprise the kids, try serving in bread bowls—they’ll never forget it! Leftovers also tuck perfectly into lunch containers for a comforting midday meal the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover Homemade American Goulash stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making the second-day bowl extra luscious. Just reheat and enjoy whenever hunger strikes!

Freezing

For future you: portion cooled goulash into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, defrost overnight in the fridge—then reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore the saucy consistency.

Reheating

Warm up single servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through to make sure everything’s evenly hot. For larger amounts, add a splash of water or beef broth to a saucepan, then gently reheat on the stove over medium. Stir often and stop as soon as it’s hot—nobody wants mushy pasta or scorched sauce!

FAQs

Can I make Homemade American Goulash without sausage?

Absolutely! The smoked sausage is optional and just adds an extra punch of flavor. If you’re after a simpler or lighter version, just stick with ground beef or even substitute ground turkey for a leaner touch.

What if I only have different pasta shapes?

No problem at all. While elbow macaroni is traditional and soaks up the sauce perfectly, feel free to use small shells, rotini, or penne—just keep an eye on cooking time, as smaller shapes cook faster.

How do I make it spicier?

If your family likes things with a little more fire, try stirring in some red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or even a splash of hot sauce along with the seasonings. Taste as you go and adjust to your preferred heat level.

Can Homemade American Goulash be made ahead?

Definitely! Goulash actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to mingle. It’s a great meal prep option—just reheat gently and add a little broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid.

What toppings work best with Homemade American Goulash?

The classics are always a hit: shredded cheddar or mozzarella, fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. If you want a bit of brightness, try chopped green onions or a little lemon zest.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Homemade American Goulash—it’s one of those old-fashioned, soul-satisfying recipes that never goes out of style. One bowl is all it takes to win over the whole family, so whip up a pot and let the cozy aromas fill your kitchen. Here’s to warm hearts, full bellies, and plenty of leftovers to make tomorrow just as delicious!

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