This delicious comforting dish named American Goulash, aka American Chop Suey, aka Beef and Macaroni, has simple, economical, filling ingredients such as lean ground beef, green bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and seasoned with herbs that are fairly family friendly and super simple to find at any market or local grocer.
If you grew up in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s across America there is a 95% chance your parents or grandparents made this recipe for American Goulash at least once in your childhood. Now, some of you may know this recipe by the name American Chop Suey or even Beef and Macaroni with tomatoes. Whatever name you prefer to call it is fine.
I grew up in the Mid-West, Warren, Ohio to be exact; in the 70’s and our family simply called it Goulash. Back then our families recipe didn’t have cheese added to it; so I guess some of the recipes I have seen on the net are variations of the old-school recipe, I’m not sure so if you feel the need for cheese, feel free to add some cheese.
My dad actually was the one who would usually whip this recipe up at least once every 2 weeks. How could he go wrong? It’s yummy, simple, economical, and fairly quick to throw together for dinner. There were no serious complaints from his peanut gallery that night; that’s for sure.
Ingredients needed for American Goulash
- 1 and 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef 93/7
- a splash of Worcestershire sauce
- a few pepper flakes
- 1/4 of a teaspoon of Hungarian paprika
- Kosher salt to taste
- freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 2-14.5-ounce cans of organic fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1-8-ounce can of organic tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1/2 of a teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 of a teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs
- 8-12-ounces of dry macaroni noodles cooked al dente
- chopped parsley for the garnish
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef 93/7
- splash of Worcestershire sauce
- pepper flakes to own taste
- 1/4 teaspoon Hungarian paprika
- kosher salt to own taste
- freshly cracked pepper to own taste
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 14.5-ounce cans of organic diced tomatoes
- 1 1.5-ounce can of organic tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 8-12 ounces cooked macaroni noodles
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley garnish
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In a large deep metal skillet on medium heat, add lean ground beef, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a few pepper flakes, Hungarian Paprika, kosher salt, and pepper to own taste, and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up lean ground beef as you go.
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Add chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the metal skillet over medium heat and cook until ground beef is completely done. Drain the ground beef if necessary.
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Add 2 cans of organic fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 1 can of organic tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper to own taste, to metal skillet; stir to mix ingredients together with ground beef. Cook for about 15-20 minutes.
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Meanwhile, cook 8-12-ounces of macaroni noodles al dente, according to package directions. Drain the noodles and rinse noodles if desired.
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Combine macaroni noodles and tomato beef mixture in a large serving dish, garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
I make American Chop Soy all the time. It’s such a great dish to throw together on a busy weeknight. I love the ingredients you have in yours. I’m definitely going to try your recipe next time for a change!
Hey there, Nicole, glad you dropped by. I love it! So simple to make and clean-up is simple too.
They sure knew something for making this meal during that time. It is filling, with ingredients you can easily find and pleases a crowd!
My whole life we have made something much like this. My Mom made something like this often. I don’t even think we had a name for it! It is a yummy dish!!
I love goulash, your American version sounds wonderful, perfect fall comfort food!
Heidi, this beef and macaroni dish is the kind of comfort food we look for in our family on a weekly basis, especially during colder months. Thanks for sharing this tasty recipe!
Thank you, Helga, I could go for some right now and it’s 90 degrees…lol I think I just love pasta.
oooh, a new recipe for me to use my hot peppers in!! Thank you, it looks great!
Oh, hot peppers in it sound pretty good too! Let me know if you make it how it went with the hot peppers.
I don’t remember eating American Chop Soy growing up but I know my family will love this combination of flavors.
Really? Oh my goodness you have to make it once to see what you have been missing. I hope you enjoy it!!!
Been craving a good goulash lately! this looks gorgeous!!
Thank you, one of my favorites for busy nights.
Have a wonderful day!