American Goulash is one of those comforting, one-pot meals that takes me back to childhood. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just plain easy to make. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dinner or cooking ahead for a crowd, this dish will be your new go-to. Plus, the leftovers? Even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, American Goulash is the perfect combination of ground beef, tender veggies, and pasta all simmered together in a rich, tomatoey broth. It’s packed with flavor thanks to simple spices like paprika, garlic powder, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for that perfect tangy bite. What I love most is how customizable it is – you can switch up the pasta, add more veggies, or even sneak in some extra protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this simple, yet tasty dish:

• Ground beef: Provides that hearty, savory base.
• Onion and bell peppers: These bring in texture and sweetness, making every bite more exciting.
• Tomato juice: This is the liquid base that brings everything together.
• Apple cider vinegar: Just a dash for that extra zing.
• Sugar and spices: A mix of sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
• Noodles or corkscrew pasta: Whether you’re using homemade noodles or a box of corkscrew pasta, either works great!

Let’s Make It!

1. Brown the Beef: Start by browning the ground beef in a large kettle. You want to get it nice and browned for maximum flavor.
2. Cook the Veggies: Toss in the chopped onion and bell peppers, letting them soften up for a few minutes. This adds a great layer of flavor to the beef.
3. Add the Rest: Now, pour in your tomato juice, apple cider vinegar, spices, and sugar. Don’t forget the noodles! Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using. If you’re working with homemade noodles, they’ll cook faster.

Why This Goulash Stands Out

American Goulash is a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet, thanks to the sugar and tomato juice. The apple cider vinegar adds just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the beef. Plus, paprika and garlic powder give it that depth of flavor we all crave. It’s one of those simple, no-fuss recipes, but it delivers on taste in a big way.

A Few Tips for the Best Goulash

• Make it your own: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or even sausage if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Boost the veggies: You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach for a nutritional punch.
• Leftovers: Goulash keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. The flavors get even better the longer it sits!

Serve It Up

I love serving American Goulash with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. It’s also fantastic with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top or even a dollop of sour cream if you want to take it to the next level.

How to Make a Healthier American Goulash

You can easily turn traditional American Goulash into a healthier, more nutritious meal with just a few simple tweaks. Here’s how:

1. Leaner Protein Options: Swap out regular ground beef for lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken. You could also go for plant-based proteins like lentils or mushrooms if you’re aiming for a vegetarian version. These options are lower in fat and still pack a protein punch.
2. Boost the Veggies: Add extra vegetables to load up on nutrients and flavor. Carrots, celery, zucchini, spinach, or even bell peppers bring in color, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, they make the dish heartier and more filling.
3. Whole Grain Pasta: Opt for whole-grain noodles instead of regular pasta. Whole grains add fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. It’s an easy switch that adds a nutritional boost without sacrificing taste.
4. Cut Back on Sodium: Instead of using regular canned tomatoes or broths, choose low-sodium versions. You can also reduce the amount of salt you add by using more herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic and onion to deepen the flavor naturally.
5. Portion Control: Goulash is hearty and filling, so it’s easy to overdo it. Serve yourself a balanced portion alongside a salad or steamed veggies to enjoy the meal without going overboard.
6. Drain the Fat: If you’re using ground meat, take the extra step of draining off any excess fat after browning. This simple trick significantly reduces the overall fat content of your goulash, making it lighter without losing flavor.

So, if you’re looking for a cozy, family-friendly dish that comes together quickly, American Goulash is the answer. It’s budget-friendly, delicious, and super versatile. What more could you want in a weeknight meal? Try it out, and I guarantee you’ll be making it on repeat!

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