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Classic One-Pot American Goulash

Published on July 30, 2026
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Classic One-Pot American Goulash
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Servings

American goulash, sometimes called slumgullion, American Chop Suey, or even Beef-a-Roni, is an American comfort-food dish popular in the Midwest and South. Besides the name, there is no real connection to Hungarian goulash in terms of the flavor or ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups dried elbow macaroni (about 9 ounces)
  • 4 ounces cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 bunch fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Dice 1 medium yellow onion until you have 1 cup.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion and 1 pound lean ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking up the pieces of meat into smaller pieces, until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are starting to soften, about 6 minutes.
  3. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and stir to combine. Add 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and stir to combine. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook until the macaroni is al dente, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot, about 12 minutes. Meanwhile, shred 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 cup). Pick the leaves from 1/4 bunch fresh parsley and coarsely chop until you have about 1/4 cup.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Taste and season with more kosher salt as needed. Sprinkle with the cheese and let sit until melted. Garnish with parsley just before serving. (Alternatively, garnish each serving with cheese and parsley instead.)

Recipe Stats

  • Jul 30, 2026
  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Servings: 4 Servings
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