This classic Cheesy Goulash recipe combines ground beef and tomatoes with smoky paprika and spices and macaroni for an easy meal everyone loves!
This Cheesy Goulash recipe combines beef, smoky sauce goodness with delicious pasta for a mouthwatering, one-pot meal that is kid-friendly and is ready less than 30 minutes.
closeup of beef and elbow noodles in a tomato sauce with shredded cheese and a bay leaf on top
big pot of beef goulash with elbow noodles in a tomato sauce with shredded cheese and a bay leaf on top
Easy One-Pot American Goulash
Look no further! This is the most convenient and perfect family meal you can make on busy nights.
Also known as American Goulash, this recipe is an old-fashioned, cheesy goodness and a hearty meal. When you're craving comfort food, this definitely hits the spot!
✨ What Does Goulash Mean?
The word goulash originally refers to a Hungarian stew made with meat, paprika and vegetables. This recipe is the American version and they are nothing alike! This recipe is similar to spaghetti and tomato meat sauce but goulash is cooked one pot versus cooking the pasta and sauce separately.
This classic Cheesy Goulash recipe combines ground beef and tomatoes with smoky paprika and spices and macaroni for an easy meal everyone loves!🥫 Ingredients needed:
closeup of beef and elbow noodles in a tomato sauce with shredded cheese and a bay leaf on top
several white bowls with ingredients for american goulash - ground beef, elbow noodes, diced onion, paprika, shredded cheese, parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes and spices.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 14.5 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 ¼ cup elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- One Bay leaf, optional
🔄 Substitutions
Use 1 teaspoon oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil if you don't have Italian seasoning.
For spicy goulash, add ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper.
Use water instead of broth.
Use your favorite jar of spaghetti sauce instead of the cans of tomatoes and spices.
🔪 How to make Beef Goulash
Step 1: Add onion and beef to a large skillet and brown over medium high heat until no longer pink. break into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
collage of a big tan pot with raw hamburger meat topped with diced raw onions and the same pot with cooked ground beef
Step 2: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, soy sauce salt and pepper and stir to combine well.
big tan pot with cooked ground beef with minced garlic and spices on top and diced tomatoes added
Step 3: Add in both cans of tomatoes with the juice and the broth and stir to combine. Heat over medium high heat and bring to a boil. Then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes.
big tan pot with cooked ground beef and tomato mixture with uncooked dry elbow macaroni in the center.
Step 4: Add the dry pasta, stir to combine and cook for 7-9 minutes until pasta is tender or to desired consistency.
big tan pot with American goulash in a tomato sauce topped with shredded cheese and parmesan cheese
Step 5: Remove from stove and let rest for 5 minutes. Then add in the cheeses and stir to combine.
white plate full of american goulash with ground beef, elbow noodles and diced tomatoes topped with shredded cheese
❄️ Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
♨️ Reheating Instructions
Place in a sauce pan on the stove, cover and heat on medium heat until desired temperature, stirring often. Or place in a microwave safe dish and reheat in 30 seconds intervals, stirring after each interval. You can also place it in an oven safe dish and bake until heated through. Be careful not to over cook as the pasta could become mushy.
📝 Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:
What to serve with Goulash?Serve this goulash along side a favorite salad and bread like Italian bread, dinner rolls or breadsticks.
Can you freeze Goulash?Yes, goulash is freezer friendly. Place it in a freezer safe dish and cover with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator. Then re-heat on the stove, in the microwave or in the oven after removing the plastic wrap and foil.
Sherri Hagymas headshot
Sherri
Recipe Developer and Food Photographer
