Grandma’s American Goulash (Ground Beef)

Grandma’s American Goulash is a warm, hearty, one-pot comfort dish made with ground beef or turkey, elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, onion, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese. It is simple, filling, and full of old-fashioned family dinner flavor.

This recipe is the kind of meal that feels cozy and familiar. The pasta cooks directly in the tomato-beef sauce, allowing it to absorb the savory broth and seasonings. The cheddar cheese melts in at the end, giving the dish a creamy, comforting finish.

It is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want a budget-friendly dish that tastes homemade and satisfying.

Why People Will Love Grandma’s American Goulash (Ground Beef) Recipe

It is classic comfort food.
Ground beef, macaroni, tomato sauce, and cheese create a warm, nostalgic dish that feels like home.

It is easy to make in one pot.
The pasta cooks right in the sauce, which saves time and helps build deeper flavor.

It is budget-friendly.
Simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, broth, and cheese make a filling meal without being expensive.

It is family-friendly.
The flavors are mild, savory, cheesy, and familiar, making it a great dinner for both kids and adults.

The sauce is rich and hearty.
Tomato paste, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes create a thick, flavorful base.

The cheddar cheese adds comfort.
Stirring in cheese at the end makes the goulash creamy, savory, and extra satisfying.

It is flexible.
You can use ground beef, ground turkey, different pasta shapes, extra vegetables, or more cheese.

It reheats well.
Leftovers are great for lunch or another quick dinner the next day.

Key Ingredients

Ground Beef or Turkey
Ground beef gives the dish a rich, classic flavor, while ground turkey makes it a little lighter. Both work well with the tomato sauce and seasonings.

Elbow Macaroni
Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta for American goulash. Its small shape holds the sauce well and cooks evenly in the pot.

Onion and Garlic
Onion adds sweetness and depth, while garlic gives the sauce a savory aroma. Together, they build the first layer of flavor.

Tomato Paste
Tomato paste gives the sauce a deeper, more concentrated tomato flavor. It helps make the goulash taste richer.

Beef Broth
Beef broth adds savory depth and gives the pasta liquid to cook in. It makes the sauce heartier than water alone.

Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes
Tomato sauce creates a smooth base, while diced tomatoes add texture and brightness.

Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning adds herbs and warmth, giving the dish a cozy, familiar flavor.

Paprika
Paprika adds color, mild sweetness, and a gentle earthy flavor.

Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar melts into the hot goulash, making it creamy, cheesy, and comforting.

Parsley
Parsley adds a fresh finish and a little color before serving.

Expert Tips

Cook the onion until tender first.
Softening the onion before adding the meat gives the dish a sweeter, deeper flavor.

Brown the meat well.
Let the beef or turkey cook until fully browned so the sauce has a richer taste.

Drain excess grease if needed.
If using fattier ground beef, draining keeps the goulash from becoming oily.

Stir in the tomato paste before adding liquids.
Cooking tomato paste briefly with the meat helps deepen its flavor.

Simmer gently after adding the macaroni.
A steady simmer helps the pasta cook evenly without sticking to the bottom.

Stir often while the pasta cooks.
Since the pasta cooks in the sauce, stirring prevents sticking and helps it absorb flavor evenly.

Add cheese at the end.
Stirring in the cheddar after the pasta is tender keeps the cheese smooth and creamy.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
The sauce thickens slightly as it sits, making the goulash more spoonable.

Grandma’s American Goulash (Ground Beef)

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 ½ cup beef broth

1 – 15 oz can tomato sauce

1 – 15 oz can diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

salt and pepper to taste

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1 ½ cup elbow macaroni

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:

Begin by cooking the onion with oil in a large skillet until it is tender

Proceed to add garlic and cook for approximately 1 minute

Step 2:

Go ahead and add ground beef or turkey and cook it until it is done, drain if necessary, then season with salt and pepper to taste

Proceed to stir in the tomato paste, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika until everything is well-combined and mixed

Step 3:

Proceed to add in the uncooked macaroni

Start to bring everything to a simmer and cook it until the pasta is tender

Step 4:

Finally, proceed to stir in the cheese, garnish with parsley, and serve the dish immediately

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well.

What type of pasta can I use other than elbow macaroni?

While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces if that’s what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to use cheddar cheese for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is commonly used in goulash, but you can experiment with other cheeses if you like.

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan can be good alternatives.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make this goulash in advance and reheat it.

Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and when reheating, you may need to add a bit of extra liquid to prevent it from drying out.

Are there any suggested side dishes or accompaniments for this goulash?

This goulash is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of steamed vegetables to balance the meal.

Can I use other types of meat besides ground beef or turkey?

You can experiment with other ground meats like pork, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives such as tofu crumbles if you have dietary preferences.

Is there a substitute for Italian seasoning if I don’t have it on hand?

If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own blend using dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Alternatively, you can use dried basil and oregano for a similar flavor.

Can I freeze this goulash for later use?

Yes, you can freeze this goulash. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags.

It should be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

What can I do if the goulash is too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

If it’s too thin, continue simmering it uncovered to reduce the liquid until it thickens.

Are there variations or additional ingredients commonly added to American goulash?

Some variations include adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or different types of cheese.

You can personalize the recipe to suit your taste.