American Goulash (2024)

Nutrition Notes

Is There a Benefit of Using Lean Ground Beef as Opposed to Regular?

Using 90% or 93% lean ground beef means you'll have 10% to 7% fat in your beef as opposed to regular ground beef, which is upward of 30% fat. Besides being better for your body and health in general, using leaner beef also means your dish won't be swimming in grease.

Is Whole-Wheat Pasta Better than Regular Pasta?

Using whole-wheat pasta will bump up the nutrition—including vitamins and minerals—compared to regular white semolina pasta. Cup for cup, whole-wheat elbow macaroni will also give you more than 2 more grams of fiber compared to regular elbows. And we know that most Americans do not eat enough fiber, so whole-wheat pasta is a great way to increase your fiber intake, too.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

What Is Goulash?

Originating in Hungary, goulash is a soup or stew that features potatoes and/or other root vegetables, stew beef and plenty of paprika. It cooks slowly, allowing the beef to tenderize and rich deep flavors to develop. American goulash draws inspiration from the original dish, but it is less like a stew and more like a one-pot meal. It features ground beef, pasta (usually macaroni) and tomatoes. Unlike Hungarian goulash, American goulash cooks quickly, making it a great family-friendly option for weeknights. Both types of goulash feature the addition of paprika for spice and warmth.

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

We use whole-wheat elbow macaroni for the recipe, but feel free to use ditalini, small shells, orecchiette or any other short pasta. Adjust the cooking time as needed for other types of pasta. You may need to cook with the lid on to ensure the pasta is cooked all the way through.

American Goulash (1)

See Also
Chilled Meat

How to Make American Goulash Ahead

You can make the entire recipe from start to finish up to two days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Additional reporting by Hilary Meyer, Jan Valdez and Carrie Myers

American Goulash (2)

American Goulash (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between goulash and American goulash? ›

There are two kinds of goulash: Hungarian goulash, which calls for the slow-simmered beef to be served alongside egg noodles, and American goulash, which pulls in ground beef and cooks the noodles in the pot alongside the sauce.

Why do Americans call it goulash? ›

Etymology. The name originates from the Hungarian gulyás [ˈɡujaːʃ]. The word gulya means 'herd of cattle' in Hungarian, and gulyás means 'herdsman' or 'cowboy'.

What is goulash called in America? ›

American goulash, sometimes called slumgullion, is an American comfort food dish, similar to American chop suey.

What is slumgullion made of? ›

Ground beef, macaroni and tomato, great flavor and a quick cooking time.

What is original goulash made of? ›

The classic “kettle goulash” is prepared by frying cubes of beef or mutton with onions in lard. Garlic, caraway seeds, tomatoes, green peppers, and potatoes complete the stew. Székely gulyás, another Hungarian specialty, is a stew of pork and sauerkraut flavoured with tomatoes, onions, caraway seeds, and sour cream.

Is goulash the same as stroganoff? ›

Traditional goulash is a stew/soup, usually using a cheaper cut of meat suited to slow cooking. It usually contains potatoes and other vegetables, as well as noodles. A true stroganoff consists of paprika-dusted fillet steak quickly pan fried with mushrooms and onions in a sour cream and brandy sauce.

What country eats the most goulash? ›

The national dish of Hungary! Boldly flavoured with stacks of paprika, lots of onion, garlic and capsicum/bell peppers, with fall apart hunks of beef. It's sort of a stew, sort of a soup.

What is a goulash slang? ›

goulash in American English

2. a heterogeneous mixture; hodgepodge; jumble.

Is paprikash the same as goulash? ›

Both paprikash and goulash are paprika-based stews, but goulash is made with beef and vegetables, while paprikash is most typically made with chicken. Recipes vary, but goulash is usually not thickened with flour like paprikash is, and goulash typically isn't enriched with cream or sour cream.

Are beefaroni and goulash the same thing? ›

What's the difference between beefaroni and goulash? Nothing, really. Beefaroni is the same thing as American Goulash – the difference in what you call it is mostly regional.

Are chili mac and goulash the same? ›

What's the Difference Between Chili Mac and Goulash? Chili mac is very similar to American goulash — a one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. American goulash, however, doesn't call for evaporated milk, and also isn't made with beans.

What to eat with goulash? ›

European-style goulash is commonly served alongside buttery noodles, dumplings, or just simply with bread and potatoes.

What is hobo stew made of? ›

Ingredients. Ground Meat: Ground beef is the most popular meat in hobo stew, but you can also use ground pork or ground chicken. Vegetables: The most popular veggies used include tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers and carrots. If you like a little heat, add jalapeños.

Why is goulash called Johnny Marzetti? ›

One of the dishes Marzetti offered her customers was a baked casserole of ground beef, cheese, tomato sauce, and noodles that she named for her brother-in-law, Johnny. Teresa Marzetti was the first person to serve the casserole Johnny Marzetti in a restaurant.

What is Gulyás made of? ›

Gulyás is customarily made with beef, but it can be made with mutton (in which case it is birkagulyás). Sour cream or flour are never added. Neither is hot paprika (although it is served at the table). Salt and pepper are the only essential seasonings.

What is the difference between Johnny Marzetti and goulash? ›

This easy Johnny Marzetti recipe is similar to American goulash but with lots and lots of cheese. It is a comfort dinner recipe that is easy to prepare and so delicious.

Is goulash the same as chili mac? ›

What's the Difference Between Chili Mac and Goulash? Chili mac is very similar to American goulash — a one-pot meal made with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. American goulash, however, doesn't call for evaporated milk, and also isn't made with beans.

Is goulash just stew? ›

Hungarian goulash is very similar to beef stew, but there are some differences. While a typical stew consists of slow braising chunks of meat with root vegetables in a seasoned broth, goulash uses spices such as caraway, cumin, paprika, and peppers which really enhance and alter the flavor from a classic beef stew.

What is the Hungarian name for goulash? ›

The Hungarian word for this delicious dish is gulyáshús, from gulyás, "herdsman," and hús, "meat." Historically, goulash was a stew cooked by shepherds using lamb or beef. The paprika came later, but today it's a vital part of an authentic goulash.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 5820

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.