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

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salt and pepper to taste

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

Important Notes When Making Grandma’s American Goulash (Ground Beef)

The pasta will absorb liquid as it cooks.
Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is tender.

Do not overcook the macaroni.
Pasta can become too soft if simmered too long, so check it near the end of cooking.

Cheese changes the texture.
Cheddar makes the dish creamier and thicker, so stir it in gradually.

Salt carefully.
Beef broth, canned tomatoes, and cheese may already contain sodium. Taste before adding extra salt.

Ground turkey may need extra seasoning.
Turkey is leaner and milder than beef, so you may want to add a little extra garlic, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

The dish thickens as it cools.
Leftovers may need a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Serve immediately for the best texture.
The pasta is best when tender and saucy, before it absorbs too much liquid.

How to Enjoy This Grandma’s American Goulash (Ground Beef) After Cooking

Once the cheese has melted into the goulash, spoon it into bowls while it is hot and saucy. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.

Serve it as a complete one-pot meal, or pair it with garlic bread, buttered rolls, cornbread, a green salad, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or coleslaw. The rich tomato-beef flavor goes especially well with simple fresh sides.

For extra comfort, sprinkle more shredded cheddar on top and let it melt before serving. You can also add Parmesan, red pepper flakes, black pepper, or fresh herbs.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

This goulash also works well for meal prep because it is easy to portion into containers and reheats into a filling lunch or dinner.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on about 6 servings using ground beef and cheddar cheese:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is American Goulash?
American Goulash is a one-pot dish made with ground meat, macaroni, tomato sauce, tomatoes, seasonings, and often cheese. It is different from Hungarian goulash, which is usually more stew-like and paprika-based.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey works well and makes the dish lighter. You may want to add extra seasoning because turkey has a milder flavor than beef.

What kind of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but small shells, rotini, ditalini, or penne can also work. Cooking time may vary by shape.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, peas, zucchini, or carrots can be added for more texture and nutrition.

What should I serve with American Goulash?
Serve it with garlic bread, salad, steamed vegetables, roasted broccoli, green beans, cornbread, or dinner rolls.

Why cook the pasta directly in the sauce?
Cooking the macaroni in the sauce allows it to absorb the beef broth, tomatoes, and seasonings, making the whole dish more flavorful.

What should I do if the goulash gets too thick?
Add a little more beef broth, tomato sauce, or water and stir until it reaches your preferred consistency.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?
Stir the goulash often while the macaroni cooks, especially near the bottom of the pot.

When should I add the cheese?
Add the cheese at the end, after the pasta is tender. This helps the cheese melt smoothly into the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well, but the pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back the saucy texture.