This is the American-style goulash (sometimes called “American Chop Suey”), not to be confused with Hungarian goulash, which is a paprika-heavy stew.
🍲🇺🇸 Old-Fashioned American Goulash
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 large yellow onion, chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 lbs ground beef
-
1½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
-
1 tsp black pepper
-
2 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
-
2 tbsp tomato paste
-
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
-
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
-
3 cups beef broth or water
-
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
🔪 Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
-
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
-
Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
-
Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Brown the Beef
-
Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
-
Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
-
Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste.
-
Mix in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and broth.
-
Bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta
-
Stir in the elbow macaroni.
-
Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. (Optional) Add Cheese
-
Stir in shredded cheese or sprinkle on top just before serving.
6. Serve
-
Spoon into bowls and top with chopped parsley or extra cheese.
✅ Tips:
-
Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes are too acidic.
-
For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
-
Keeps well! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
🔄 Variations:
-
Use ground turkey or ground sausage instead of beef.
-
Add veggies like bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms.
-
Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes.
Want a Hungarian-style goulash, a slow cooker version, or a low-carb/keto twist?
