Easy American goulash made in one pot with ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce. Easy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.
My husband, who grew up in Boston, grew up on this meal and reminds him of his childhood. A common weeknight dinner recipe in New England, American Goulash (American Chop Suey to him) is affordable, versatile, and great for feeding a crowd. A full meal in one pan, you’ve got dinner on the table in 30 minutes!
If you want more one pan meals, try my One Pan Roasted Chicken and Broccoli or One Pan Italian Sausage Pasta.
Ingredients
- Pasta: While elbow macaroni is most common, it would be great with just about any type of pasta such as penne, spirals, ziti, or farfalle.
- Beef: I usually use a ground sirloin for a lower fat content, but you could also use ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Diced tomatoes and sauce: Use what you have on hand, but I usually use a can of tomato sauce along with a can of chopped or diced tomatoes. If you have them, you can even use fresh tomatoes!
- Veggies: Onion and bell pepper are my go to (although the bell pepper isn’t traditional), but you could add in celery and carrots, too.
How to Make American Goulash
Step 1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to package instructions.
Step 2. While pasta cooks, in a large skillet sauté onion and green pepper until soft. Season with salt and pepper, and use a microplane to grate in the garlic.
Step 3. Once onion and peppers are soft, add ground beef and oregano to the skillet.
Step 4. Cook until beef is browned, then pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
Step 5. Once tomatoes are heated through, add the cooked macaroni to the pan and stir.
Step 6. Check for seasoning, and season with additional salt and pepper.
While not customary, I love serving with a hearty grating of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Enjoy your American Goulash!
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Apples
- Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
- Flank Steak Tacos
- Sausage Pesto Pasta with Caramelized Onions
- Sheet Pan Greek Chicken with Vegetables
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; set aside.16 ounces macaroni noodles
- While pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large, deep skillet. Add onion, peppers and garlic plus a pinch of salt and pepper and saute until tender, about 5-6 minutes.1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 medium onion, 1 green bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic, salt and pepper
- Add ground beef and oregano to the pan. Cook until beef is browned through, using a wooden spoon to break into bite-sized pieces. Continue until beef is golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and heat until cooked through. Check for seasoning and adjust accordingly.1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 32 ounces tomato sauce, 16 ounces diced tomatoes
- Add pasta to the pot and stir once more. Garnish with parmesan cheese and basil before serving.parmesan cheese and fresh basil
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! American goulash and American chop suey are the same dish. The name “American chop suey” is more commonly used in New England, while “American goulash” is used nationwide.
If your goulash seems dry, it may have absorbed too much liquid as it sat. Simply stir in a bit of water, broth, or tomato sauce when reheating.
Yes, but for best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
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