A hearty, nostalgic, one-pot masterpiece that has been passed down through generations.
There are certain dishes that simply feel like home — the kind that simmered on Nana’s stove long before you were tall enough to reach the counter. This American Goulash is one of those legendary recipes. Rich, meaty, tomato-y, cozy, and budget-friendly, it’s the type of comfort food that made childhood unforgettable.
And as you said… nothing trumps Nana’s version! ❤️
🧡 Why This Recipe Is So Special
Nana’s goulash wasn’t fancy — but it was perfect.
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Simple, pantry ingredients
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Big, bold flavor
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The whole house smelling amazing
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A meal that feeds a crowd
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Leftovers that taste even better
This is the kind of dish that brings families back to the table — again and again.
📝 Ingredients
Meat & Aromatics
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1½ lbs (700 g) ground beef
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1 large onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
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2 cups beef broth
Seasonings (Nana-style!)
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tbsp paprika
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp sugar (balances the acidity—Nana’s secret!)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1 bay leaf
Pasta
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2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Optional Add-ins
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A handful of shredded cheddar
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½ green pepper, diced
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A splash of hot sauce
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Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
Add:
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Onion
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Garlic
Cook until soft and fragrant.
Drain any excess grease.
2. Build the Flavor
Stir in:
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Crushed tomatoes
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Diced tomatoes
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Tomato sauce
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Beef broth
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Worcestershire
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Paprika, Italian seasoning, sugar
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Salt & pepper
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(Optional) bay leaf
Bring to a simmer and let it cook 15–20 minutes.
This is where the magic happens — the tomatoes mellow out, the flavors deepen, and the broth turns rich and savory.
3. Add the Pasta
Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
Stir well and cover the pot.
Let simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
If it thickens too much, add a splash more broth.
4. Taste & Adjust
Now is the moment Nana would always taste the pot:
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Need more salt?
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More pepper?
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Want it sweeter or tangier?
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More paprika for warmth?
Adjust to your heart’s content.
