The Best American Goulash Recipe: A One-Pot Family Meal

If you’re looking for a comforting, budget-friendly dinner that the whole family will love, you’re in for a treat.

This American goulash recipe is hearty, flavorful, and comes together in just one pot! It’s the perfect cheap family dinner for busy weeknights when you need something simple yet satisfying.

Let’s dive into why this dish is a classic and how you can make it at home.

Why You’ll Love This American Goulash

There’s something magical about a dish that checks all the boxes: quick, affordable, and delicious. Here’s why American goulash has been a staple in kitchens for generations:

• It’s Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Picky eaters? No problem. The combination of macaroni and beef in a savory tomato sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, it’s the ultimate cheap family dinner.
• One-Pot Wonder: Say goodbye to a pile of dishes! Everything cooks together, so cleanup is a breeze.

Cost Per Serving

One of the best things about this recipe is how affordable it is. Using pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you can feed your family without breaking the bank.

• 1 lb ground beef: $4.99
• 1 medium onion: $0.70
• 2 tsp onion powder: $0.10
• 2 tsp garlic powder: $0.12
• Salt and pepper: $0.05
• 1 tbsp minced garlic: $0.15
• 1 cup beef broth: $0.50
• 12 oz can diced tomatoes: $1.25
• 8 oz can spaghetti sauce: $1.00
• 1.5 cups macaroni noodles: $0.89
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning: $0.15
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional): $0.06
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: $0.49

Estimated Total Cost: $9.45 (based on average U.S. grocery prices).
Servings: 6
Cost Per Serving: $1.58

You read that right – under $2 per serving! This is a filling, hearty meal that’s perfect for when you need to stretch your grocery budget while still delivering big on flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious American goulash:

• Ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing protein and richness.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Onion powder & Garlic powder: Easy pantry seasonings that pack a punch.
• Garlic: For that extra kick of savory goodness.
• Beef broth: Enhances the savory base.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and tang.
• Spaghetti sauce: The star of the sauce, tying everything together.
• Macaroni noodles: The perfect pasta to soak up all the flavors.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for a classic taste.
• Sugar (optional): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a touch of umami.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Balance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making American goulash is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a meal your family will rave about:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Build the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and optional sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

To make sure your American goulash turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid Mushy Pasta: Stir occasionally and check the pasta for doneness to avoid overcooking.
• Make It Your Own: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or shredded cheese to customize the dish.
• Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers for a quick meal on a busy day.
• Storage Tips: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Pairing Suggestions

While this one-pot family meal is satisfying on its own, pairing it with simple sides takes it to the next level. Here are a few ideas:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Green Salad: A fresh side balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans work wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the difference between American goulash and Hungarian goulash?
A: American goulash is a one-pot meal featuring macaroni and beef in a tomato-based sauce, while Hungarian goulash is a stew made with chunks of meat, paprika, and vegetables.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of beef broth to refresh the flavors.

Q: What other types of pasta can I use?
A: While macaroni is traditional, shells, penne, or rotini also work well.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This American goulash recipe is everything you could want in a meal: comforting, affordable, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a cheap family dinner to add to your rotation, this dish delivers every time.

Give it a try tonight and let me know how your family likes it! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and check out more one-pot family meals for your next dinner inspiration.

American Goulash

A comforting, one-pot meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. This budget-friendly dinner combines ground beef, macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce—simple to make and sure to please the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 cup beef broth
• 12 oz can diced tomatoes
• 8 oz can spaghetti sauce
• 1.5 cups macaroni noodles
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp sugar optional
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking

Instructions

 

Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
• Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.

Build the Sauce:

• Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and optional sugar.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 10 minutes.

Add the Pasta:

• Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles. Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender (about 10-12 minutes).

Finish and Serve:

• Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• Serve hot and enjoy!