Classic American Goulash Recipe
What is goulash anyway?
LOVE IT? PIN IT!
Don’t forget where you saw this simple recipe for Goulash. It’s one I am sure you and your family will love, so make it easy to find, and pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go.
American Goulash vs Hungarian Goulash
Paprika in Goulash
The dish is full of noodles, meat, and veggies, so it is a hearty provincial style dish. What really sets goulash apart is paprika. Lots of paprika. If you told me that “goulash” translated to tons of paprika then I wouldn’t be surprised in the least. When it comes to paprika, there are a few different types to consider.
Paprika is made from sweet red pepper. However, there is also a type of hot paprika that is common in Hungarian dishes. Make sure you know which is which… The hot version of paprika is great but it will burn your face off if you use it like the sweet style paprika.
Smoked paprika uses smoked peppers and it is usually on the sweet and smoky side. I have never seen smoky hot paprika but I am sure it is out there somewhere.
Paprika is found in many Hungarian dishes, but it is actually originated in North Africa. Great flavors travel well and sometimes they find a special home in regions far, far away!
How do you make American Style Goulash?
More skillet style dishes
Easy skillet dishes are the best. You can use one big skillet to handle everything so clean up is a cinch. Plus, they tend to cook in layers of flavor as you add the ingredients. Tasty and convenient? A winner all around. Here are a few other skillet dishes to try:
Skillet Lasagna, Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet (pictured above), Five Bean Ground Beef Noodle Skillet Casserole, Chili Mac Skillet, Stuffed Pepper Skillet, Southwest Chicken Linguine
Goulash
Easy weeknight meal, using ground beef and whatever vegetables and noodles you have on hand.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium sized sweet onion, chopped
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
- 1 - 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 - 8 ounce cans tomato sauce
- 12 ounces macaroni noodles, or what you have on hand
Instructions
Brown ground beef with onion and celery, sprinkled with salt and pepper.
Drain any excess grease.
Return to pan, add carrots, tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While sauce is simmering, boil, drain and rinse noodles.
Add to sauce, combine and serve.
May be topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Feel free to add more veggies if you like, my Mom always puts corn in hers. Use your imagination. Can be cut in half easily. I have a big family, so I cook big!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 506Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 706mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 6gSugar: 10gProtein: 49g
Nutrition isn't always accurate.
this recipe was updated to improve user experience on August 18, 2020
Aunt Bee says
That looks so great and I love the veggies in there!!! Awesome weeknight recipe! <3
mickeydownunder says
G’day! Looks so warm and welcoming! Reminds me of childhood!
Cheers! Joanne
http://whatsonthelist.net
Cindy Jamieson says
That goulash looks awesome! Neat yearbook picture, LOL. Thanks for sharing at Simple Supper Tuesday.
Jessie says
I LOVE goulash!! I have never tried it with celery or carrots, I will have to try this next time.
Alexandra says
This was a comforting meal enjoyed by the whole family. We topped ours with some parsley and Parmesan cheese – delicious!
Chris Collins says
You can’t beat a classic Goulash and your version looks beyond delicious!!
Shelley says
I have twins who are 18 (college – gah!!!), and I still remember the FREEING feeling of being able to let them stay home by themselves for a little while, so I really related to where you are with your own twins right now! Anyway – thank you so much for this recipe! Yummy, easy, and totally family-friendly. Loved your suggestion to add corn BTW!
Michaela Kenkel says
Shelley, this post was revised this week, and now my “littles” are “bigs!” Ironically a year younger than yours!
Pam Greer says
Oh my gosh, I haven’t had goulash since I was little and it was always a favorite of mine! I can’t wait to make this for my kids!
Aimee Mars says
I love to hear sweet stories like this one! I always like to prepare a good meal when we have babysitters over too, but I’ve never made goulash. I’m going to have to change this!!
Michelle Frank | Flipped-Out Food says
You had a hope chest?! I always wanted one when I was a little girl, but I had forgotten about it until I read your post! I grew up on goulash that was very much like this. Your recipe makes me nostalgic for my mom’s cooking!
Emily Liao says
Such an easy dinner to whip up! Everyone loved the flavors in this
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This Goulash is making me super hungry that I could hear my tummy growl. I can’t wait to have this on my table.