American Goulash Recipe
Introduction
American Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich tomato sauce. This one-pot meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 8 shakes gluten free Worcestershire sauce (about 1/2 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon homemade seasoned salt, plus extra dash
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup gluten free elbow noodles (uncooked)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet with high sides or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, shallot or onion, and garlic. Break up the beef as it cooks.
- Step 2: Season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, a dash of homemade seasoned salt, and pepper. Brown the beef thoroughly. Drain excess fat if necessary, then return the beef mixture to the skillet.
- Step 3: Stir in the remaining teaspoon of seasoned salt, broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Increase the heat to bring the liquid to a simmer.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Add the uncooked elbow noodles to the skillet. Continue to simmer, stirring often, until the noodles are tender, about 12-14 minutes. Lower the heat as needed to keep a gentle simmer.
- Step 6: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional seasoned salt and/or pepper if desired. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine before adding the broth and tomatoes.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Stir in some shredded cheese on top before serving for a creamy finish.
- Use regular elbow macaroni if gluten free noodles are not needed.
Storage
Store leftover American Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, American Goulash can be prepared a day in advance. Simply cool completely, store in the refrigerator, and reheat before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute tamari, soy sauce, or a small amount of balsamic vinegar for Worcestershire sauce to maintain a similar depth of flavor.
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American Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
American Goulash is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef simmered with savory seasonings, tomatoes, and gluten-free elbow noodles. This classic American dish comes together easily on the stovetop, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large shallot or small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 8 shakes gluten free Worcestershire sauce (~1/2 Tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon + extra dash homemade seasoned salt
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 1–1/2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
Pasta
- 1 cup gluten free elbow noodles (uncooked)
Instructions
- Cook beef: Heat a large skillet with high sides or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped shallot or onion, and minced garlic. Break up the beef with a spoon as it cooks. Season with Worcestershire sauce, a dash of homemade seasoned salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary, then return the beef mixture to the skillet.
- Simmer goulash: Add the remaining teaspoon of seasoned salt, chicken or beef broth, tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf to the skillet. Increase the heat to bring the liquid to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and let it gently simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Cook noodles: Stir in the gluten free elbow noodles. Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender, about 12 to 14 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer during this time. Remove the bay leaf from the skillet. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional seasoned salt and/or pepper if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Be sure to use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and pasta to keep this recipe gluten free.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially when substituting broths or using canned tomatoes.
- Stir the noodles frequently during cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- This dish reheats well and makes excellent leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: American goulash, gluten free goulash, stovetop beef goulash, easy weeknight dinner, comforting pasta dish
