American Goulash

American Goulash is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, combining hearty ground beef, rich tomato flavors, and tender macaroni. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, ensuring everyone leaves with a full belly and a smile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious dish with family or friends.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this dish can be served as leftovers or made ahead for meal prep.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The comforting flavors make it appealing to all ages.

Tools and Preparation

To make American Goulash efficiently, having the right tools on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large saucepan: Essential for cooking the goulash evenly while allowing enough space for ingredients to mix well.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware and helps break up the ground beef effectively.

Ingredients

This American Goulash is pure comfort food made all in one pot. Made with simple ingredients: ground beef, canned tomatoes, and macaroni.

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

For the Tomato Base

• 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce

Seasoning and Extras

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 1 cup elbow macaroni pasta, cooked (measured before cooking)

For Serving

• grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown and crumble 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 small diced onion and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Drain any excess grease once browned.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes

Stir in the entire contents of a 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes (with juices) and an 8-ounce can of tomato sauce into the meat mixture.

Step 3: Season It Up

Season your dish with 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until combined, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Let It Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help meld all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 5: Incorporate Macaroni

After simmering, add in your cooked elbow macaroni pasta (1 cup) and stir it into the sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes so everything heats through.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Serve your American Goulash hot from the pot! Don’t forget to sprinkle a little grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra flavor boost. Enjoy!

How to Serve American Goulash

American Goulash is a delightful dish that warms the heart and satisfies the appetite. It’s versatile, allowing for various serving suggestions that can elevate your meal experience.

Classic Serving Ideas

• With Grated Cheese: Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese to add a rich flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.

Accompanying Sauces

• Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce can spice things up for those who love heat.
• Ketchup: Some prefer a drizzle of ketchup on their goulash for a sweet-tangy twist.

Serving Styles

• In a Bowl: Serve it in deep bowls for cozy dining, perfect for cold evenings.
• On a Plate: For a more formal setting, serve it on plates alongside a side salad.

How to Perfect American Goulash

To make your American Goulash even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of your goulash.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adjust salt, pepper, and spices to suit your palate.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your elbow macaroni is cooked al dente so it maintains its shape and texture in the dish.
• Let It Rest: Allow the goulash to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with Veggies: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or other favorite vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for American Goulash

Pairing side dishes with American Goulash enhances the meal’s overall enjoyment. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements the richness of goulash perfectly. Toast slices of bread with garlic butter.
2. Green Salad: A light green salad adds freshness and balances the hearty goulash. Toss mixed greens with vinaigrette.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans provide color and nutrients while being easy to prepare.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast in flavor and texture to your meal.
5. Coleslaw: This crunchy side brings brightness and acidity, cutting through the heaviness of the goulash.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve buttery baked potatoes as an alternative carb option, perfect for soaking up sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making American Goulash can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that may affect the final dish. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to properly brown the ground beef and onions can lead to a bland flavor. Always take time to sauté until browned for a richer taste.
• Using uncooked pasta: Adding uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the pot can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to cook the pasta beforehand for consistent texture.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Every palate is different, so relying solely on the recipe’s salt and pepper might not suit your taste. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for balanced flavor.
• Overcooking the goulash: Cooking too long after adding the macaroni can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it during that last simmer to maintain a good bite.
• Ignoring leftovers: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to spoilage. Ensure you store any leftovers in airtight containers for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover American Goulash in airtight containers.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing American Goulash

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• American Goulash can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating American Goulash

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Goulash?

American Goulash is a one-pot meal made with ground beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. It’s hearty and comforting, perfect for family dinners.

Can I use different types of meat in American Goulash?

Yes! You can easily substitute ground beef with chicken or turkey. Each option offers a different flavor while keeping the dish delicious.

How do I customize my American Goulash?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also switch up the seasonings to match your preferences.

What is the best way to serve American Goulash?

American Goulash is best served hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to make American Goulash?

This recipe takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight meal that is quick and satisfying.

Conclusion

This American Goulash recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. Its comforting flavors make it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or tweaking the spices—it’s sure to become a go-to favorite!

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