American Goulash (Beefaroni)

Our homemade Beefaroni (American Goulash) recipe has ground beef and elbow pasta cooked in a flavorful, cheesy, red sauce.

Ready IN

40 mins

Servings

Save

By Lauren Allen

February 06, 2026Updated:June 17, 2026

Beefaroni That’s Big Comfort With Little Effort

Whether you call it American Goulash or Beefaroni, you have to admit, this pasta dish is a total comfort classic! It’s made all in one pan in about 30 minutes, making it a winner for busy weeknights. It’s also praised by all of my kids and any picky eater I’ve introduced it to. Don’t miss my instructions to make this in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker below in the recipe card. I can’t wait for you to try this one!

Try my other easy pasta recipes, like Crock Pot Baked Ziti, Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo, One Pan Skillet Lasagna, Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, and Swedish Meatballs.

How to Make American Goulash (Beefaroni)

Make Sauce: Sauté onion in pan then add garlic. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook, using a meat chopper or spatula to crumble it to small pieces. Add dry spices and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in tomato sauce, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire, and 1 1/2 cups beef broth. Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes.

Cook Pasta: Add the additional 3/4 cup broth and uncooked pasta. Cook until pasta is tender then stir in the cheese, allowing it to melt.

This article was originally published on tastesbetterfromscratch.com. Follow on Instagram.

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American Goulash (Beefaroni)

Lauren Allen

Time

40 mins

(Prep 10 minsCook 30 mins)

Servings

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

40 mins

Servings

ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic. minced
1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon parsley, dried
2 teaspoons basil, dried
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
6 ounces tomato paste
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth, divided
1 1/2 cups (8 ounces) elbow noodles uncooked
1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

STEP 1

Heat a large skillet with sides over medium heat. Add oil. Once hot, add onion and sauté for several minutes until tender and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Push onion to the side and add ground beef and season well with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, crumbling it into very small pieces as it cooks. Add all dry spices and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

STEP 2

Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, Worcestershire, and 1 1/2 cups beef broth. Simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes. Taste and add additional seasonings, if needed.

STEP 3

Stir in additional 3/4 cup broth and uncooked pasta. Cook until pasta is tender. Stir in freshly grated cheese and allow to melt. Serve immediately.

Notes

To Freeze: Allow to cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating. Add a splash of additional broth when reheating, if needed.

Instant Pot Beefaroni: Cook onion and ground beef on sauté setting in Instant Pot. Drain grease and add dry spices and cook for 1 minute. Turn off Instant Pot and stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, Worcestershire, and 1 1/2 cups beef broth (don't add any additional beef broth). Pour in macaroni noodles, stir, and place lid on seal and set to high pressure for 4 minutes. Do a quick release when finished, stir, and add grated cheese.

Crock Pot Beefaroni: Cook onion and ground beef on stove. Add dry spices and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, Worcestershire, and 1 cup beef broth and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. Cook pasta separately. Add cooked noodles and grated cheese, and stir until cheese has melted.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 67mg, Sodium: 1130mg, Potassium: 1010mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 942IU, Vitamin C: 14mg, Calcium: 199mg, Iron: 5mg

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