The coziness of a hot bowl of American Goulash, or American Chop Suey as it is lovingly called in New England. This recipe is a tribute to the power of comfort food, featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a thick tomato sauce. For many, including my Boston-born husband, who frequently longed for this dish from his early years, it evokes fond memories and epitomizes home cooking. Beyond the delicious flavors and the recollections, however, is an intriguing story of culinary versatility and integration.
What is American Goulash
Let’s dispel a popular misconception: American chop suey is not at all like Chinese-American chop suey, despite its name. The fact that a meal may transcend its beginnings and become something entirely original is evidence of the melting pot that is American culture. Likewise, although goulash comes from Hungary, the American version has changed significantly from its European counterpart, which is typically made with stew beef. Families all around the nation include the American version, which is a simpler but no less delectable mixture, in their weekly meal preparations.
This dish is more than simply a dinner in New England, where it’s referred to as American chop suey; it’s a part of the local identity. This comforting cuisine has its origins in the quick and easy dishes of earlier New England customs, like the “potato bargain” and “necessity mess.” Its depth isn’t diminished by its simplicity, either. The classic dish, a jumble of pasta, meat, and Italian seasonings, embodies the spirit of American cooking: filling, approachable, and infinitely adaptable.
One of the best things about this recipe is probably how versatile it is. American Goulash/Chop Suey encourages culinary freedom in everything from the type of pasta to the selection of veggies and even the protein utilized. Although the basic trio consists of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a tomato-based sauce, there are many variations. For a deeper taste, some choose to use Italian sausage in addition to or instead of ground beef. Others add a dash of spicy sauce, a dab of cream cheese, or a flourish of flour to the sauce, demonstrating that adding personal touches only heightens the dish’s warm appeal.
How to make it
Goulash Ingredients:
- Onion and oil: Cook a large, chopped yellow onion in olive oil.
- Beef: Add two pounds of lean ground beef to the cooked onion. You can use ground turkey if you like.
- Tomato products: You’ll need two cans of diced tomatoes and two cans of tomato sauce.
- Sauces and seasonings: This easy goulash is flavored with fresh garlic, soy sauce, dried Italian herb seasoning, salt, and bay leaves.
- Macaroni: Cook two cups of elbow macaroni in the simmering meat sauce.
Its flavorful depth belies how easy it is to prepare. This dish exemplifies the elegance of one-pot cooking, whether it is prepared in an Instant Pot, Crock Pot, or one pot. It’s a great option for hectic weeknights because of how simple it is to prepare: brown the beef quickly, sauté the vegetables, then simmer with the sauce and pasta. Its importance as a mainstay in the American culinary repertoire is further highlighted by the fact that it can be frozen for later meals or taste even better the next day.
Make Goulash In a Crock-Pot:
- Preheat a slow cooker on High.
- Make the recipe through Step 1.
- Place browned beef and onion mixture into the preheated slow cooker.
- Mix in water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and bay leaves.
- Add uncooked macaroni and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Cook on High for 1 hour.
The recipe is referenced in: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/213268/classic-goulash/
More than just a meal, American goulash/chop suey tells a story of regional pride, cultural fusion, and the pure delight of sharing a meal with those you care about. Its tale serves as a reminder of how food can create a rich, diverse, and incredibly fulfilling culinary tapestry by tying us to places, memories, and one another. Keep in mind that your unique touch is the best component you can use. Have fun in the kitchen!
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