Easy Mom's Goulash Recipe (Classic Comfort Food)

That Familiar Taste of Home: Why Mom’s Goulash is the Ultimate Comfort Food

Remember those chilly evenings when the aroma of something simmering on the stove filled the entire house? When a single bite transported you straight back to a simpler time, to the warmth and safety of your childhood kitchen? For many of us, that feeling is intrinsically linked to a steaming bowl of Mom’s Goulash Recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a testament to enduring comfort, and a timeless classic comfort food that transcends generations.

There’s a special magic in family recipes passed down, each spoonful carrying memories and a dash of irreplaceable love. This isn’t just any goulash; it’s the easy, classic, and utterly foolproof version of Mom’s Goulash Recipe. Whether you’re navigating a busy weeknight or craving a cozy weekend dinner, this hearty dish promises to bring that familiar taste of home right to your table.

What Exactly is American Goulash?

When most Americans hear « goulash, » they envision a savory, hearty dish starring ground beef, tender macaroni, and a rich, tomato-based sauce. This is precisely what we’re talking about today: the delightful American goulash recipe. It’s a complete meal cooked in one pot, making it a fantastic ground beef and pasta recipe that’s both satisfying and simple.

It’s crucial to clarify that American goulash is quite different from its traditional Hungarian counterpart. Hungarian goulash is typically a robust stew featuring tender chunks of beef (or other meat) slow-cooked with a generous amount of paprika and served with dumplings or potatoes, rarely pasta. Our American version, on the other hand, is distinctly pasta-centric, focusing on convenience and familiar flavors. You might also hear this beloved dish referred to by other names, such as American Chop Suey or even Slumgullion, particularly in different regions, adding to the rich tapestry of American culinary traditions. So, if you’ve ever wondered, « what is American goulash? », you now know it’s a wonderfully unique, pasta-packed experience.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Goulash Recipe

There are countless reasons why this Mom’s Goulash Recipe has earned its place as a family favorite dinner. Here are just a few:

Simple & Easy: Forget complicated steps or exotic ingredients. This easy goulash recipe with ground beef relies on common pantry staples and comes together in about 30-40 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight goulash recipe.
One-Pot Wonder: Our recipe is truly a one-pot goulash. Most of the magic happens in a single large skillet or Dutch oven, drastically cutting down on cleanup time.
Budget-Friendly: Feeding a family doesn’t have to break the bank. Utilizing inexpensive ingredients like ground beef and macaroni, this dish is a fantastic budget-friendly meal that still delivers incredible flavor and generous portions.
Family-Approved: This is a guaranteed hit with palates of all ages. It’s a truly kid-friendly goulash that even picky eaters will ask for seconds of, making it a stress-free choice for dinner.
Perfect for Leftovers: Like many great comfort foods, this goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen. It’s fantastic for meal prep!

The Cast of Characters: A Closer Look at Your Goulash Ingredients

The beauty of this simple goulash recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating that unforgettable flavor. Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this truly hearty beef goulash.

For the Hearty Base

Ground Beef: We recommend 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and moisture. The slight fat content adds richness. For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey, or for a different twist, try ground Italian sausage.
Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the quintessential pasta shape for this dish, perfectly capturing the saucy goodness. However, feel free to experiment with other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or even penne. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pasta works wonderfully too.
Large Onion: Finely diced, a large yellow or white onion forms the aromatic foundation, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the savory beef.

For the Rich & Tangy Sauce

Canned Stewed Tomatoes: These are a secret weapon in our stewed tomatoes goulash. They break down beautifully during simmering, contributing a rustic texture and a deeper, more developed tomato flavor than plain diced tomatoes. If you can’t find them, diced or crushed tomatoes can be used, but you might want to break them down slightly with a spoon.
Ketchup: Trust us on this one! Ketchup is the « secret ingredient » that provides that nostalgic touch of sweetness and tangy balance, reminiscent of classic backyard BBQ flavors that make it taste exactly like Mom’s Goulash Recipe.
Tomato Juice: This is primarily used to adjust the sauciness of the goulash to your preference. It helps to create a luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. If you don’t have tomato juice, a splash of plain tomato sauce or even beef broth can work in a pinch.

For the Perfect Flavor

Seasonings: We keep it simple but impactful with garlic salt, black pepper, and chili powder. These spices provide warmth and a savory kick without overpowering the other ingredients. Always remember to taste and adjust the seasonings to your personal preference.
Hot Sauce: This is entirely optional but a dash of your favorite hot sauce can add a lovely background warmth and subtle complexity without making the dish overtly spicy.

How to Make Mom’s Goulash Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready to whip up this amazing old fashioned goulash recipe with ease! Here’s how to make goulash that will impress everyone at the dinner table. (Imagine beautiful photos of each step here!)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking your macaroni according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water. The key here is to cook it just to al dente – meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. Remember, it will continue to cook and absorb flavors when added to the sauce, so undercooking it slightly at this stage is actually preferable. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven (the bigger, the better for a truly one-pot goulash experience!), brown your ground beef over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, break it up into crumbles with a spoon. Once it’s mostly browned, add the diced onion to the skillet. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions have softened and become translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base. Carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet; this prevents your goulash from being oily.

Step 3: Season and Build the Sauce

Now it’s time to infuse that delicious beef and onion mixture with flavor. Sprinkle in the garlic salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir well, letting the spices cook with the meat for about a minute. This allows the spices to « bloom » and release their full aromatic potential. Next, open your can of stewed tomatoes. You can gently mash them with a spoon directly in the can or in the skillet to break them down slightly. Add the mashed stewed tomatoes to the beef mixture, along with the ketchup. Stir everything together until well combined, creating a rich and fragrant tomato base for your goulash with macaroni and tomatoes.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Finally, add the drained, al dente macaroni to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the savory sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This simmering time allows all the incredible flavors to meld together beautifully and the pasta to fully absorb the deliciousness. Give it a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking. Towards the end of the simmering, taste the goulash. If you prefer a looser, saucier consistency, add a splash of tomato juice (or a little water) until it reaches your desired texture. Adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt or pepper to taste.

Pro Tips for the Best Goulash Every Time

Achieving goulash perfection is within reach with these expert insights for your Mom’s Goulash Recipe:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: We can’t stress this enough! Cooking your macaroni to al dente (or even slightly less) before adding it to the sauce is key. It will continue to cook as it simmers in the tomato base, ensuring a perfect texture, not a mushy one.
Toast Your Spices: When you add the chili powder and other dry spices to the browned meat and onions, let them cook for just a minute or so before introducing the wet ingredients like tomatoes. This brief toasting process, often called « blooming, » intensifies their flavor and aroma significantly.
Let It Rest: Just like a good steak, allowing your goulash to sit off the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving makes a huge difference. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and gives the flavors a chance to truly marry and deepen, resulting in an even more cohesive and delicious dish.
Taste, Taste, Taste: This is arguably the most important step in any great recipe. Always taste your goulash before serving and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings. A little more salt, pepper, or even a tiny dash of hot sauce can elevate the entire dish to perfection based on your preference.

Fun Variations & Delicious Add-Ins

While Mom’s Goulash Recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile! Feel free to customize this dinner recipe with ground beef to your family’s taste or whatever you have on hand.

Make It Cheesy: This is hands down the most popular variation! For a truly decadent finish, stir in a cup or two of shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a Colby Jack blend right before serving. You can also top individual bowls with a sprinkle of cheese for a melty, gooey delight. This goulash with cheese is always a crowd-pleaser!
Sneak in More Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding finely diced bell peppers (any color!), shredded carrots, or celery along with the onions. You can also stir in canned corn or frozen peas during the last few minutes of simmering. It’s a great way to make this kid-friendly goulash even healthier.
Spice It Up: If you love a bit more heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or an extra dash of cayenne pepper added with the other seasonings will give your goulash an extra kick.
Change the Protein: While ground beef is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment. Using ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) can add a wonderfully different flavor profile, or even try a mix of beef and sausage for extra depth.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Instructions

Making a big batch of this Mom’s Goulash Recipe is smart! Here’s how to enjoy it now and later.

What to Serve with Goulash

Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Buttery Cornbread: A Southern-inspired pairing that offers a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice, bright counterpoint to the rich goulash.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover goulash is a treasure! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing & Reheating

This hearty beef goulash freezes exceptionally well. Portion cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. As the pasta will have absorbed a lot of the sauce, you’ll likely need to add a splash of tomato juice or water to loosen it up and restore its original saucy consistency. For smaller portions, you can microwave, again adding a little liquid if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between goulash and American Chop Suey?

For all intents and purposes, American goulash and American Chop Suey are essentially the same dish. The names are often used interchangeably, with regional preferences dictating which term is more common. Both refer to the hearty combination of ground beef, macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce, making them synonymous in the context of this old fashioned goulash recipe.

How can I make my goulash thicker?

If your goulash is too thin, the easiest method is to simply let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer. This allows some of the excess liquid to evaporate, naturally thickening the sauce. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the simmering goulash and cook for another minute or two until thickened. However, simmering is usually sufficient for this particular Mom’s Goulash Recipe.

Can I make this goulash recipe in a Crock-Pot or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for both! For a Crock-Pot, brown the ground beef and onions first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with all the other ingredients (except the macaroni and tomato juice). Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the macaroni and tomato juice (if needed) during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For an Instant Pot, brown the beef and onions using the ‘Sauté’ function, then add the remaining ingredients (except cheese/optional toppings). Add pasta and ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. Pressure cook on high for 4-5 minutes, then perform a quick release. Stir well and add tomato juice if a looser consistency is desired.

Is American goulash supposed to be soupy?

American goulash should be saucy, but generally not soupy. It’s meant to coat the pasta well and be hearty, not a thin broth. The consistency is somewhat a matter of preference; some like it a bit looser, while others prefer it thicker. This Mom’s Goulash Recipe is designed to be easily adjustable with the addition of tomato juice to achieve your perfect consistency.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of stewed tomatoes?

Absolutely! A 28 oz can of tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for stewed tomatoes. The main difference will be in texture; using tomato sauce will result in a smoother goulash, whereas stewed tomatoes provide a chunkier, more rustic consistency that many people enjoy in an old fashioned goulash recipe. If using tomato sauce, you might want to add a pinch more sugar to balance the acidity, as stewed tomatoes often have added sweetness.

Mom’s Goulash Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

Ready to make this classic comfort food? Here’s the complete recipe for your very own Mom’s Goulash Recipe!

Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 (28 oz) can stewed tomatoes, lightly mashed
½ cup ketchup
1 (15 oz) can tomato juice (plus more for adjusting consistency)
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
Optional: Hot sauce to taste
Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese for serving

Instructions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and onions are softened, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add mashed stewed tomatoes and ketchup to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Add the cooked macaroni to the beef and sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly. Pour in the 15 oz can of tomato juice, stirring again.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If a looser consistency is desired, add more tomato juice a splash at a time until perfect.
Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese. Enjoy your comforting easy goulash recipe with ground beef!

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