American goulash

American goulash

American goulash (usually referred to in the United States as simply "Goulash") refers to a stew-like dish, sometimes baked as a casserole, which has many variants. As a descendant, of sorts, of Hungarian goulash, the only real connection seems to be the name, and the usual inclusion of beef and paprika.

American goulash, mentioned in cookbooks since at least 1914, exists in a number of variant recipes. Originally a dish of seasoned beef, core ingredients of American goulash now usually include elbow macaroni, cubed steak, ground beef or hamburger, and tomatoes in some form, whether canned whole, as tomato sauce, tomato soup, and/or tomato paste. It is usually served as a simple lunch or supper dish, usually the main (or only) course. Its versatility and popularity lie in its ease of preparation - it requires only one pot to prepare - and its use of relatively few common, inexpensive ingredients. Some variants resemble the southwestern stew chili.^{[citation needed]}

Other ingredients that might be added by regional tastes include corn, bell peppers, onions, celery, kidney beans, or chile peppers. Cheese, either grated or melted, can be added as well.^{[citation needed]}

Writer and filmmaker Stephanie Yuhas published a series of humorous short stories and films in 2007 called American Goulash, a term used describe the medley of culture a person develops as a Hungarian American.

See also

• American Chop Suey
• Sloppy joe
• Johnny Marzetti
• Hamburger Helper
• Goulash (Hungarian Goulash)