Homestyle American Goulash

Introduction

Homestyle American Goulash is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. This hearty dish features a savory mix of ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all simmered together to create a deliciously filling meal. It’s an American take on the traditional Hungarian goulash but with its own unique twist. Quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest appetites, Homestyle American Goulash is a timeless favorite that families have been enjoying for generations. Whether you’re cooking for a large crowd or just your immediate family, this dish is sure to bring everyone to the table.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Weeknight meals
• Meal prepping for the week
• Potlucks and gatherings
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Homestyle American Goulash will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire:

• Rich, Savory Flavor: The combination of ground beef, onions, and garlic in a seasoned tomato sauce creates a deep, savory flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.
• One-Pot Meal: This dish comes together in just one pot, making it not only delicious but also easy to clean up after.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can add in extra vegetables, swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken, or adjust the seasonings to fit your personal taste.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy, pasta-packed goodness, this dish is sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and just a short cooking time, Homestyle American Goulash is a go-to recipe for busy evenings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty Homestyle American Goulash:

• 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner version)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter option)
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra cheesy goodness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing)

Ingredient Highlights

• Ground Beef: A classic choice for American goulash, the ground beef provides a hearty, savory base to the dish. You can also use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Tomatoes: The canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce form the rich, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and beef, infusing every bite with a deep, savory taste.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditionally used in goulash, but feel free to swap it out for any pasta shape you like. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish, creating a melty, gooey topping that makes this goulash irresistible.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper are the perfect blend of spices to enhance the flavor of the dish, giving it that comforting, home-cooked taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Homestyle American Goulash:

Prepare the Goulash Base:

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. (If you’re using lean ground beef, the oil helps keep the meat from sticking to the pan.)
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Onions and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Season the Meat: Add the dried Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to coat the meat and vegetables.

Add the Tomatoes and Broth:

5. Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir to ensure everything is evenly combined.
7. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Cook the Pasta:

8. Add the Pasta: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well-covered by the sauce.
9. Simmer the Goulash: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook in the sauce, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb the sauce and become tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes.

Add the Cheese:

10. Stir in the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the dish.

Serve and Enjoy:

11. Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and serve the Homestyle American Goulash hot. Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comfort of this classic meal!

How to Serve Homestyle American Goulash

Homestyle American Goulash is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

• With Garlic Bread: Pair the goulash with some warm garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
• With a Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the goulash.
• For Meal Prep: This goulash keeps well in the fridge, making it a great choice for meal prep. Simply store in an airtight container and reheat for easy lunches or dinners.
• For a Hearty Dinner: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a baked potato for a full meal that will leave everyone feeling full and satisfied.

Additional Tips for Homestyle American Goulash

Here are some tips to make your Homestyle American Goulash even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to monitor the pasta as it cooks in the sauce. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta, so it’s best to taste it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time is up.
• Use a Wide-Pot or Dutch Oven: A large pot with plenty of room will make it easier to stir the goulash and prevent splattering. A Dutch oven is perfect for this recipe.
• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the goulash. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic at the beginning of the recipe.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix.
• Use Leftover Meat: If you have leftover cooked chicken or turkey, feel free to swap it in for the ground beef. Just shred or chop the meat and stir it in when you add the broth and tomatoes.

Recipe Variations of Homestyle American Goulash

Here are 10 variations of Homestyle American Goulash that you can try:

• Vegetarian Goulash: Skip the ground beef and use a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a vegetarian twist.
• Turkey Goulash: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner, lighter version of the dish.
• Cheesy Goulash: For an extra cheesy goulash, add more cheese throughout the cooking process and top with cheese before serving.
• Spicy Goulash: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat in your goulash.
• Gluten-Free Goulash: Use gluten-free pasta to make this goulash gluten-free, and you’ll still get all the delicious flavors.
• Mexican Goulash: Add a packet of taco seasoning, black beans, and corn for a southwestern twist.
• Beef and Sausage Goulash: Mix ground beef and Italian sausage for a meatier version of goulash with a touch of spice.
• Pasta Primavera Goulash: Add fresh veggies like broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes for a healthier version of goulash.
• BBQ Goulash: Stir in some BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy variation.
• Mushroom Goulash: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory tomato sauce.

Freezing and Storage for Homestyle American Goulash

• Freezing: You can freeze this goulash for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The goulash will taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Special Equipment for Homestyle American Goulash

Here are 10 special equipment items you might need to make Homestyle American Goulash:

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A large, heavy pot ensures even cooking and plenty of room to stir the ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon helps you stir the goulash without scratching the pot.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are essential for accurate measurements of your ingredients, especially when adding seasonings.
• Strainer: A strainer can be useful for draining the pasta before adding it to the sauce.
• Can Opener: If you’re using canned tomatoes, a can opener will make your life easier.
• Tongs: Tongs are helpful for stirring in the pasta and making sure it’s evenly coated in the sauce.
• Lid for the Pot: A lid helps trap heat and moisture, speeding up the cooking process.
• Colander: After cooking your pasta, use a colander to drain it before adding it to the goulash.
• Oven Mitts: If you’re using a Dutch oven, be sure to use oven mitts to avoid burns.
• Serving Spoons: A large spoon helps you serve the goulash without making a mess.

FAQ Section about Homestyle American Goulash

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef? Yes, you can easily substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef in this recipe.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and chop them before adding them to the sauce. You’ll also need to add a little extra water or broth to get the right consistency.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will only improve with time!
4. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? Yes, this recipe can be made in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then add everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
5. How do I make it spicier? You can add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to make this dish spicier.

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Conclusion

Homestyle American Goulash is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. With its hearty mix of ground beef, pasta, and savory tomato sauce, this goulash is a one-pot wonder that delivers both taste and convenience. Plus, it’s versatile enough to make it your own by adding extra veggies, spices, or cheese. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that’s perfect for any occasion.