Discover the ultimate comfort food with this classic old-fashioned American Goulash recipe. Made with lean ground beef, a medley of fresh vegetables, and your favorite pasta, this easy-to-follow dish is a versatile, customizable meal perfect for any weeknight dinner. Ready in under 35 minutes, it’s a family favorite that everyone will love!

This cherished American Goulash recipe has held a special place in my recipe box for many, many years. It was originally given to me by a wonderful woman I used to babysit for – a true culinary gem whose kitchen always smelled of delicious things.

It’s quite a nostalgic thought to remember starting my babysitting career at the tender age of nine and a half! Nine and a half! Back then, I babysat for nearly all the children on my block, a true neighborhood staple. Today, watching my own twins, who are eleven and a half, just beginning to stay home alone for short periods, truly highlights how much times have changed.

Among the many families I cared for, there was one at the top of the street whose mother was an exceptional cook. Unlike the usual quick fixes of mac ‘n’ cheese or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that babysitters often served, this mom took pride in her cooking. She would often prepare fantastic meals for me to simply warm up for the kids.

One evening, she had prepared a dish that would become a favorite: goulash. Not just any goulash, but *this* goulash – the one that would eventually become a staple in my own family’s meal rotation.

This classic American goulash recipe was a true revelation for me. It was unlike anything my mom typically made, and from the very first bite, I was hooked. I immediately asked for the recipe, eager to recreate its comforting flavors myself.

To this day, I still possess that *exact* recipe, meticulously handwritten on a notecard, carefully preserved in my old hope chest. Do you remember hope chests? In my opinion, it’s something truly special that everyone should have – a repository of memories, aspirations, and treasured possessions, like old family recipes.

For reasons I can’t quite pinpoint, I hadn’t made this particular goulash recipe for years – even “Before Children,” as I like to call it. Yet, my own mother continued to make it quite often, keeping the tradition alive. Recently, while rummaging through my overflowing recipe box, I stumbled upon that familiar notecard and decided it was high time to give it another whirl.

As I was preparing the dish, my youngest daughter, with wide-eyed curiosity, asked me, “Mom, how did you get it ‘printed like that’ on that notecard?” With a smile, I explained that I had used my trusty electric typewriter. “YOU had a TYPEWRITER?!” she exclaimed, utterly amazed. The generational gap, perfectly encapsulated in one simple question!

When you hear “goulash,” images of a hearty, comforting meal often come to mind. Some might call it a soup, others a stew, and in truth, American Goulash beautifully bridges the gap between the two. It boasts a rich, savory broth, yet it’s generously packed with tender noodles, flavorful ground meat, and an abundance of fresh vegetables, much like a robust stew.

While goulash has its origins in the Middle Ages in Hungary, where it remains a cornerstone of Hungarian cuisine, the American version has evolved into something distinctly its own. The Hungarian original is typically a thin, paprika-rich soup or stew often made with beef, onions, and potatoes. American Goulash, however, has taken on a life of its own, blending traditional flavors with American pantry staples to create a beloved comfort dish.

American Goulash goes by a few interesting aliases. Sometimes, you’ll hear it referred to as “American Chop Suey,” perhaps due to its mix-and-match nature, or even “slumgullion.” I’m pretty certain I won’t be announcing “Slumgullion is on the menu tonight!” to my family; where that peculiar name came from is a mystery probably best left unsolved!

The “American Chop Suey” moniker is equally curious, but the crucial point is understanding the key distinctions between American and Hungarian styles of goulash. While both are hearty and comforting, their core ingredients and preparations differ significantly.

In Hungary, goulash typically presents as a thinner, more soup-like dish. It fundamentally does not feature elbow macaroni or other pasta. Instead, Hungarian goulash relies on potatoes as its primary starch component and heavily emphasizes large quantities of onions and the signature spice, paprika. The authentic Hungarian version focuses on developing deep, rich flavors from slow-cooked meat and vegetables. In contrast, American-style goulash distinguishes itself by incorporating tomatoes – both in sauce and diced form – and pasta, such as macaroni, creating a thicker, more sauce-driven consistency.

Just like any great family recipe, I’ve taken the original goulash recipe and adapted it over time to suit my family’s tastes and what I have on hand. And that, truly, is one of the most wonderful aspects of this goulash recipe: its incredible versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking, using whatever vegetables or pasta shapes you happen to have in your pantry.

I started with the foundational idea of the recipe I received all those years ago. However, my family loves our veggies, so I’ve significantly increased their quantity. I also scaled up the entire recipe to ensure there’s enough to feed a larger gathering – and, let’s be honest, because the leftovers are absolutely fantastic the next day! Sometimes I stick to one type of noodle, but often I’ll use a mix of leftover pasta shapes or combine a couple of different kinds. I think the variety adds a lovely texture and visual appeal, don’t you?

The preparation is straightforward: Begin by browning your lean ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven. As it cooks, add your chopped onion, celery, and carrots, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. This initial sautéing builds the flavor foundation for your goulash. Once the beef is fully browned and the vegetables begin to soften, drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and savory.

Next, return the beef and veggie mixture to the pan. Stir in your tomato sauce and a can of diced tomatoes. Give everything a good mix, then cover the pan and let it simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This simmering time is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures your vegetables reach your desired tenderness, whether you prefer them slightly crisp or very soft.

While your savory meat and vegetable sauce is simmering, bring a separate pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook your macaroni noodles (or any pasta you choose) according to package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and then combine it directly with your rich meat mixture in the skillet. Stir gently until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Serve immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness.

More Fantastic Skillet Style Dishes to Explore

Easy skillet dishes are truly the best kind of weeknight hero. The beauty lies in their simplicity: you can manage nearly everything in one large skillet, making clean-up an absolute breeze. Plus, cooking in a single pan often allows flavors to build and deepen in wonderful layers as each ingredient is added. It’s the perfect combination of tasty and convenient! If you love the ease of one-pan meals, here are a few other fantastic skillet dishes to try:

Skillet Lasagna, Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet (pictured above), Five BeanGround Beef Noodle Skillet Casserole, Chili Mac Skillet, Stuffed Pepper Skillet, Southwest Chicken Linguine  

I sincerely hope you won’t wait another 20 years to share this fantastic Goulash Recipe with your loved ones. Mine absolutely adored it, and I’m confident yours will too! This dish truly embodies simple, heartfelt cooking that brings families together around the dinner table.