Hamburger Goulash

Easy American Goulash recipe is a simple skillet dinner that is full of flavor and the perfect way to feed a crowd. A budget-friendly dish full of hearty lean ground beef, spicy sausage, and tender elbow macaroni, all in a rich tomato broth.

When the weather is cold I like to Serve it with my traditional cast iron skillet cornbread.

What is Goulash?

American Goulash, also known as American Chop Suey, is an easy dish that the whole family will love!

Perfect for meal prep, it only takes 20 minutes to make, and is hearty enough to feed a family or a crowd. Serve it with a salad and a few slices of garlic bread.

If you have picky eaters, they will love this and my skillet lasagna or homemade hamburger helper.

Ingredients Needed

Meats – This goulash recipe uses a combination of ground beef and pork sausage. Feel free to use all ground beef or all ground sausage if you like.

Macaroni – Traditionally made with elbow macaroni, feel free to use whatever shape pasta you have on hand. I love using mini shells!

Marinara Sauce – Use your favorite! I like a spicy arrabbiata sauce personally.

Onion – A medium sized sweet onion works best but use your favorite.

Peppers – Diced green bell peppers.

Tomatoes – This recipe calls for a can of petite diced tomatoes, but you can substitute the diced tomatoes for Rotel.

Broth – I use low-sodium beef broth for this goulash recipe but feel free to use water and beef bouillon.

Seasonings – This recipe uses salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you don’t have fresh garlic you can also add garlic powder.

Pantry staples – Worcestershire sauce, fresh parsley, soy sauce.

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How to Make Hamburger Goulash

First: In a large skillet, brown ground beef and sausage over medium high heat until no longer pink. Drain fat if desired. 

Second: To the pan with the hamburger meat, add the onion, garlic, and green pepper. Cook for 3 minutes or until the onion is tender.

Third: Add broth, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.

Fourth: Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Add in cooked pasta and stir to coat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

Store any leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It tastes amazing the next day!

When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave, the oven, or on stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Can I make it of time?

Yes, you can make ahead of time! Just make everything as you normally would but leave the noodles out.

When ready to serve, reheat on stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. While goulash is heating, cook the pasta and add it when done.

What is the difference between the American version and the Hungarian version?

American Goulash is a one-pot meal that’s made with ground beef, elbow macaroni in a rich savory tomato sauce. It is very similar to Chili Mac, Beefaroni, American Chop Suey, or a dish called Johnny Marzetti.

Hungarian Goulash is a traditional Hungarian soup or stew that is made with chunks of meat and vegetables that’s seasoned with paprika and other spices.

Can I cook the noodles separately?

Yes, I actually recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding once cooked according to package directions.

You can keep 1/4 cup of the pasta water and add to the goulash when you add the pasta. It will thicken it up and help it stick to the noodles.

Can I freeze it?

You can also freeze the goulash base in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

Tips for No Leftovers

• Use any shape pasta although elbow macaroni is traditionally used.
• Try lean ground turkey, ground pork, Italian sausage, or stew meat instead of the ground beef.
• Leave out the meat and add kidney beans or Cannellini beans for protein.
• Deglaze the pan with a splash of wine or chicken broth if desired.
• If freezing or preparing ahead of time I suggest cooking the noodles separately and only adding when ready to eat.
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end if desired.
• Mushrooms and diced green peppers are a great addition to this meal.
• Add more broth to make it a goulash soup recipe.
• Add a bay leaf and remove before serving for more flavor.
• I haven’t tested this recipe in a slow cooker yet.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!

This American Goulash Recipe is easy to make, budget friendly comforting meal with hearty ground beef, sausage, and tender macaroni, feeds a crowd, and is a great freezer meal!

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