American Goulash (sometimes called “Johnny Marzetti” or “American Chop Suey”) is a comforting, one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for family dinners.
Here’s a classic recipe:
🍲 Ingredients
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half Italian sausage)
-
1 medium onion, chopped
-
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
-
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
-
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes)
-
1½ cups beef broth (or water)
-
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano + basil)
-
1 tsp paprika
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
-
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
👩🍳 Directions
-
Brown the meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. -
Add aromatics:
Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook 3–5 minutes, until softened. -
Add liquids and seasonings:
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings. Bring to a simmer. -
Cook the pasta:
Add the uncooked macaroni. Stir well, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. -
Finish and serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. For a cheesy version, stir in shredded cheese until melted.
🍽 Serving Tips
-
Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan.
-
Serve with a green salad or garlic bread.
-
It reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep!
Would you like me to give you a variation (like a healthier version, slow cooker version, or one for large crowds)?
