American-style goulash

American-style goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort food originating in the United States, not to be confused with the traditional Hungarian stew. It's a simple skillet meal typically made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and onions, often seasoned with paprika and garlic. This dish is a staple of home cooking and school cafeterias, valued for its affordability and ease of preparation.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is primarily a source of carbohydrates from the pasta and protein from the ground beef, with a moderate amount of fat. It provides key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the meat, along with some vitamin C and lycopene from the tomatoes. A typical serving contains roughly 400-500 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	48 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	7 g
Sodium	780 mg
Iron	4.2 mg
Potassium	420 mg
Zinc	3.8 mg
Vitamin B12	2.1 mcg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Calcium	60 mg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Niacin (B3)	6.5 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

American goulash is a fascinating example of culinary adaptation, where immigrants transformed a complex European stew into a quick, budget-friendly casserole. Nutritionally, it's a complete, energy-dense meal in a single bowl, making it a practical choice for feeding families.