Soup Recipes

American Goulash Soup Recipe

American Goulash Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together a combination of tender beef, pasta, and a savory tomato-based broth. It’s one of those meals that perfectly balances being both quick to make and deeply satisfying-a go-to recipe when you’re looking for something familiar and filling. You might recognize it as "American Chop Suey" or simply "Goulash," depending on the region, but whatever you call it, this dish has a rich history of warming bellies and feeding families on busy days.

Though its roots can be traced to Hungarian goulash, American Goulash Soup is far simpler and much more accessible. It doesn’t require a long list of exotic ingredients or hours of simmering, which is why it has become a beloved staple in many households. So, if you’re in the mood for something that’s easy, tasty, and ready in no time, this is the recipe you need. Let’s dive into the ingredients, cooking process, and some expert tips to make your goulash soup even better!

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American Goulash Soup Recipe

This American Goulash Soup is the perfect one-pot wonder for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping lunches for the week. With just a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe delivers big flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you need for this classic dish:

  • 1 lb Ground Beef: The base of your soup. Ground beef adds richness and heartiness to the dish.
  • 1 Onion, chopped: A great aromatic base for the soup, providing sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced: A hint of garlic brings a savory, robust flavor to the soup.
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, chopped: Adds crunch and a mild sweetness to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes: This is the key to your tomato-based broth.
  • 1 can (8 oz) Tomato Sauce: For a smoother, richer base.
  • 4 cups Beef Broth: Gives your soup a savory, umami-rich flavor, making it more like a comforting stew than a broth-based soup.
  • 1 cup Elbow Macaroni (or any small pasta): The pasta soaks up all the flavors while adding substance to the soup.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning: A combination of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that brings the soup’s flavor to life.
  • Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish’s flavors.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef and veggies.

Cooking Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, here’s how to bring it all together:

  1. Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Push the veggies to the side and add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. The tomatoes will infuse the soup with tangy sweetness, and the beef broth will deepen the flavor.
  4. Season: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Stir in the elbow macaroni and let the soup simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  6. Final Touches: Once the pasta is cooked through and the soup has thickened slightly, give everything a final stir. Taste again for seasoning, and you’re done!
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can top it with a sprinkle of grated cheese or fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredient Insights

  • Ground Beef: This is the heart of your goulash soup. Choose lean ground beef (about 80/20) for the perfect balance between flavor and fat. If you want to cut down on fat, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute.
  • Diced Tomatoes vs. Tomato Sauce: The combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce gives your soup a perfect texture. The diced tomatoes add chunks and body, while the sauce provides a smooth, rich broth.
  • Pasta: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but feel free to use whatever small pasta you have on hand. Shells, rotini, or even penne will work well.
  • Beef Broth: The beef broth provides the soup with a rich and savory flavor. You can use chicken broth for a lighter option or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Expert Tips

To elevate your American Goulash Soup to the next level, try these expert tips:

  • Use fresh garlic and onions: Fresh garlic and onions make a huge difference in terms of flavor. Skip the powdered garlic or onion to avoid any artificial tastes.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Pasta continues to cook in the soup even after you remove it from the heat. So, make sure to stop cooking the soup when the pasta is just al dente, or it could turn mushy.
  • Let it rest: Like many soups and stews, American Goulash Soup tastes even better the next day. Let the soup sit in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Add some heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the garlic and onion.
  • Cheese is a must: Don’t forget to garnish with some shredded cheese before serving. It adds creaminess and flavor that complements the tangy tomato broth.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is already pretty perfect, there’s always room to make it your own! Here are some ideas for customizing your goulash soup:

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms. You can also throw in some beans (kidney, black, or white) to add protein.
  • Cheesy Goulash Soup: Stir in some shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture. For an extra cheesy finish, top the soup with melted cheese in the oven.
  • Spicy Goulash: If you enjoy some heat, add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the pot. You can even stir in some hot sauce right before serving.
  • Swap the Pasta: Use a different type of pasta, like penne, fusilli, or even egg noodles. You could even try a gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Final Words

American Goulash Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s not only filling but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving up a quick weeknight meal, it’s a dish that’s bound to please everyone at the table. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity-yet, it’s packed with flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

It’s the kind of dish that gets better with time, and the leftovers can be just as good (if not better) than when it’s freshly made. Plus, you can get creative with ingredients and seasonings to make it perfectly suited to your taste.

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