American goulash is a hearty and comforting dish that is sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
A classic combination of beef, tomatoes, and macaroni noodles, this dish is the perfect meal for a cold winter evening.
This classic dish can be served as an ideal main course or as part of a larger meal. So, what to serve with American goulash?
Here are some great side dishes that will add flavor and texture to your next American goulash dinner.
I always tried these sides along with American goulash, and I am sure you will also enjoy these sides while preparing for your own or in a family gathering.
What is American goulash? What does American goulash taste like?
American goulash is an American-style stew made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices. It is generally served over noodles or mashed potatoes.
The dish has a rich and pleasant flavor thanks to the combination of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth and other seasonings.
Many people also add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to their goulash recipes for added flavor and texture.
Goulash can be served with crusty bread or biscuit topping for extra texture and flavor.
For those who like a little kick in their dishes, adding hot pepper flakes can help give the goulash a bit of spice. All in all, American goulash is a comforting dish that everyone can enjoy.
Best to serve with American goulash
1. Garlic Bread
Nothing goes better with an Italian-inspired meal like garlic bread! Whether you make it from scratch or pick up some pre-made rolls at the store, garlic bread is sure to please.
You can keep it simple by just including butter and garlic powder or dressing it up with herbs and cheese. Either way, this classic side dish is sure to be a hit.
2. Salad
For something light and refreshing, why not serve your goulash with a salad?
A simple green salad with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, and your favorite dressing makes for the perfect accompaniment.
Or opt for something heartier like an antipasto salad or quinoa salad – both of which pair nicely with the flavors in goulash.
Discover More: Creative and Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Your Chicken Salad for Lunch
3. Vegetables
If you’re looking for more of a vegetable-based side dish to serve alongside your goulash, consider roasted vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower.
Simply toss them in olive oil, pepper and salt before roasting them in the oven for about 20 minutes.
For something different, try serving sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms – both will add loads of flavor to the dish without overpowering the taste of the goulash itself.
4. Elbow Macaroni
Elbow macaroni is a classic noodle to serve with American goulash.
It pairs perfectly with the dish’s beef, tomatoes, and onions and soaks up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
5. Parsley Buttered Potatoes
Buttered potatoes are a must-have side for American goulash, especially when they are garnished with parsley for extra flavor. (Recipe)
The hearty starch helps to offset some of the heaviness of the stew and is sure to satisfy hungry bellies.
6. Cornbread
Cornbread is an ideal addition to any bowl of American goulash as its sweetness helps balance out the savoriness of the dish.
It also serves as a great vessel for sopping up extra sauce or gravy that may have been left behind in your bowl.
7. Biscuits
Who doesn’t love biscuits? Soft, fluffy, and buttery, they are a delicious way to enjoy your American goulash while still leaving room for seconds or thirds!
Explore More: Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Biscuits and Gravy
8. Caesar Salad
A light and refreshing Caesar salad goes great with American goulash, as it adds an extra layer of crunchiness and freshness to an otherwise heavy meal.
It’s also easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time if desired!
9. Green Beans
Green beans are a quick and healthy side option that pairs exceptionally well with American goulash, thanks to their mild yet flavorful taste.
They help provide a bit more substance without overwhelming the dish like other heavier starches might do!
10. Cheesy Breadsticks
Who doesn’t love cheesy breadsticks? Paired with American goulash, they bring an added level of creaminess that will keep everyone coming back for more!
11. Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots offer a slightly sweet taste that contrasts nicely against the savoriness of the dish while supplying essential vitamins and minerals too! Plus, you can season them however you’d like!
12. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes make for another delicious side when serving up American goulash since they help make it even creamier while providing that classic comfort food feel at the same time!
13. Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is packed full of healthy nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, fiber, folate, and antioxidants which makes it an excellent choice when trying to put together a nutritious feast for your family or friends!
Plus, it goes really well with this classic stew-like dish too!
14. Broccoli Casserole
Broccoli casserole is creamy yet crunchy at once, which makes it perfect for pairing alongside your American goulash as the vegetables absorb all its flavors while still giving you something hearty on top too!
15. Fried Okra
Fried okra adds crispiness and texture when served alongside your favorite bowlful of goodness–American Goulash!
Plus, its high fiber content ensures that everyone stays fuller longer throughout their mealtime experience as well!
Learn More: Best Side Dishes to Serve with Fried Oysters
16. Coleslaw
Coleslaw has a fresh crunchy taste that stands out against rich dishes like Goulash, making it one tasty treat worth considering next time you’re looking to jazz up dinner plans in no time flat!
17. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf gives any meal an elegant touch and looks lovely in bowls alongside American Goulash!
Its nutty flavor does wonders towards balancing out some of these hearty dishes’ bold tastes, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied until next time around too!
Find Out More: Best Side Dishes to Eat with Hungarian Goulash
What are the best flavors to go with American goulash?
When it comes to American goulash, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the best flavors to go with it. It all depends on what ingredients you are using and your personal taste preferences.
Generally speaking, some of the most popular flavors that pair nicely with American goulash include onions, garlic, sweet paprika, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme and tomato paste.
Additionally, if you want an extra flavor boost, you can also incorporate a bit of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
All these ingredients work together to form a flavorful and comforting dish that will be sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
Other great options include adding Parmesan cheese or sour cream for a creamy finish.
Experiment with different combinations until you find the combination that is just right for you and your family. Enjoy!
How do you jazz up American goulash?
There are many ways to jazz up American goulash. You can opt. for extra vegetables such as diced peppers, mushrooms or onions for additional flavor and color.
Other additions may include canned tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and herbs like oregano or basil.
For added richness and body, you could also try adding red wine or beef broth. To make it even heartier, add ground beef or Italian sausage.
Finally, top the dish with shredded cheese before serving for a delicious crunchy topping!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to personalizing this classic comfort food dish. Enjoy!
Learn More: Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Goulash | Perfect Pairing
How do you display American goulash on a platter?
To serve American goulash on a platter, start by ladling the hearty dish into a serving bowl or onto the center of the plate.
Arrange your favorite accompaniments, such as sliced crusty bread, pickles, and a side salad, around the bowl.
If desired, you can also add garnishes such as fresh parsley or shredded cheese to make the presentation more attractive. Enjoy!
Wrap Up on what to serve with American goulash.
American goulash is a delicious and comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table!
From classic garlic bread to roasted vegetables, there are plenty of delicious sides that will perfectly complement your next American goulash dinner. When deciding on side dishes for this dish, don’t forget about salads for freshness and crunch.
So always get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find out what tastes best with your favorite recipe!
FAQs
How much American goulash per person?
The amount of American goulash per person depends on the size of your group.
Generally, a single serving is about 1 to 1 ½ cups, so if you are feeding four people, then plan to make 6 to 9 cups total.
If you are feeding more than four people, you may need to double or triple the recipe to accommodate everyone.
It’s important to make sure that there is enough for everyone and that no one goes hungry!
What vegetables can you eat with goulash?
Goulash is a Hungarian dish that consists of meat, vegetables and spices. As for what vegetables to eat with goulash, the options are plentiful!
Popular choices include potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, green beans, celery, onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
For a heartier meal, you can also add in some winter squash or root vegetables like turnips or parsnips.
If you’re looking for something lighter but still flavorful, consider adding some kale or spinach to your goulash mix.
Notwithstanding which vegetable you choose to go with your goulash dish–there’s no wrong answer! Enjoy experimenting with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
What is the difference between Hungarian goulash and American goulash?
The biggest difference between Hungarian goulash and American goulash is the type of meat used.
In Hungary, beef is typically used, while in America, ground beef or hamburger is often used.
Hungarian goulash also includes vegetables like peppers and onions, which are not common ingredients in American-style goulash.
Additionally, Hungarian goulash is more heavily spiced with paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram than its American counterpart.
Lastly, Hungarian goulash typically serves as a soup, while American-style goulash tends to be thicker and serves more like a stew.
It’s important to note that there are numerous regional variations within each country, so these differences can vary depending on where you go. Regardless, both types of goulash can be delicious and provide a hearty meal!
Which part of beef is good for goulash?
The best part of beef to use for goulash is a chuck.
Chuck is cut from the shoulder that has good marbling, which gives it excellent flavor and makes it tender when cooked slowly.
Chuck can also stand up to long cooking times, making it ideal for simmering in a stew.
If you’re using cubes of beef for your goulash, look for cuts labeled “stew meat” or “beef cubed for stew”, as these are usually chuck cuts that have been pre-cubed by the butcher.
You could also purchase a boneless chuck roast and cube it yourself at home.
Whichever option you choose, be sure to trim any excess fat before adding the beef to your goulash!
How much American goulash per person?
What vegetables can you eat with goulash?
What is the difference between Hungarian goulash and American goulash?
Which part of beef is good for goulash?
