Introduction
Classic Old-Fashioned Goulash—often called American Chop Suey—is a comforting, budget-friendly one-pot meal that simmered regularly on mid-century family dinner tables. Combining savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, garlic, and diced tomatoes, this hearty dish delivers nostalgia and rich flavor with minimal cleanup.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) lean ground beef (85/15 ratio works best)
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for rich umami flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meat & Aromatics: Heat a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
- Build the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Season: Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and bring the liquid to a boil.
- Simmer the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Finish & Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted, if using. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Serve alongside thick slices of warm French bread, toasted sourdough, or garlic bread to soak up the tomato sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or a tossed garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables: Side dishes like steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or buttered corn complement the savory noodles.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: The macaroni will absorb liquid as it sits. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore its saucy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is American Goulash the same as Hungarian Goulash? No. Hungarian Goulash is a thick beef stew made with tender chunks of stew meat, heavy paprika, and root vegetables, often served over egg noodles. American Goulash is a quick one-pot dish made with ground beef, canned tomatoes, and elbow macaroni cooked directly in the sauce.
- Can I cook the macaroni separately? Yes, but cooking the pasta directly in the broth and tomato sauce allows the noodles to absorb all the rich seasonings and releases starch that naturally thickens the sauce. If cooking separately, reduce the beef broth by 1.5 cups.
- How can I add more vegetables? Diced green bell peppers, chopped carrots, or sliced mushrooms can be sautéed right alongside the ground beef and onions.
This classic American goulash brings timeless comfort to the table in a single pot. Do you prefer your goulash extra saucy, or loaded with melted cheese on top?
Conclusion
Enjoy this comforting pot of classic goulash—it is guaranteed to satisfy the whole family with minimal fuss!Would you like a recommendation for a quick dessert to pair with this mid-century classic?