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Relive cherished memories with a modern twist! Try our Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey) recipe, inspired by Grandma's heartwarming comfort food. Savor tender ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices in a rich, low-carb sauce. Perfect for chilly nights or family gatherings. Kids and grown-ups alike will adore this flavorful keto classic!
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Hey there, foodies! Today, I'm excited to share a keto-friendly rendition of a classic recipe that holds a special place in my heart - my Grandma's goulash. Growing up in Reno, Nevada, she used to whip up this hearty dish to keep us warm on chilly Halloween nights before we set off for trick-or-treating. We fondly called it "Ghoulash" because of the Halloween tradition, and it's a name that stuck with us.
This Keto Goulash, also known as American Chop Suey, captures all the rich flavors and comforting memories while catering to our low-carb lifestyle. I've made a few tweaks to reduce the carb content without compromising on the soul-soothing goodness that this dish brings.
My Grandma's recipe was more than just a meal; it was a warm embrace on a cold night. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air, mingling with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes and the earthiness of spices. As the pot simmered, the anticipation grew, knowing that soon we'd be diving into bowls of hearty goodness.
The inspiration behind adapting this family favorite to keto was simple - I wanted to continue the tradition while embracing my low-carb journey. The keto version stays true to the core flavors while cutting back on the carbs, making it a delightful choice for those who are mindful of their carb intake.
It's not just the taste that brings back memories; it's the love and care that went into each pot of goulash. As I prepare this dish now, I'm reminded of my Grandma's warm smile and the way she effortlessly made us feel cherished through her cooking.
This Keto Goulash recipe is a celebration of flavors, memories, and the journey we take with food. I invite you to embark on this culinary adventure with me, as we savor every bite of nostalgia and create new memories around the dinner table. And hey, it's a hit with my grandkids too, proving that some recipes truly stand the test of time.
Check out the recipe card below, where you'll find all the details to recreate this Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey) in your own kitchen. Until then, happy cooking!
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🥘 Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey) Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey).
- Ground Beef - I use grass-fed 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef for this recipe.
- Low Carb Pasta - feel free to use whatever short cut low carb pasta you prefer but this recipe was designed using this pasta so I recommend using it.
- Shredded Cheese - I use shredded cheddar cheese in this but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey) Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey). You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Sauté the ground beef in a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, until no pink remains.
Add the bone broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, marjoram, crushed red pepper flake, and bay leaves to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
Remove the lid and add the pasta. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Stir in the shredded cheese if using.
Hint: To make this Keto Goulash even more versatile, consider adding a variety of your favorite low-carb veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even cauliflower are fantastic options that will add extra flavor and nutrients to the dish. Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your preferences!
Substitutions
- Ground Beef - While the recipe uses ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or pork to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Pasta - If you're looking for a pasta alternative, you can use zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash strands, or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb option.
- Cheese - Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Try using a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for an extra kick of flavor.
📖Variations
- Tex-Mex - omit the marjoram and incorporate diced green chilies, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Italian-Inspired - swap out the cumin for my Italian seasoning blend and add chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil to infuse the dish with Italian flavors.
- Vegetarian - Omit the ground meat and replace it with extra veggies or plant-based protein sources like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey).
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store the cooked goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to allow it to cool down before sealing. The goulash will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: If you have leftovers or want to make a larger batch for future meals, the Keto Goulash can be frozen. While the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing, many find it perfectly acceptable. Portion the goulash into individual servings, place them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, and label with the date. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the goulash in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Adding a touch of additional broth or water during reheating can help restore moisture.
💭Top tip
Want to make meal prep a breeze? Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for those busy days when you need a quick and comforting meal. Simply thaw and reheat, and you'll have a taste of nostalgia ready in minutes. It's a smart way to enjoy your Keto Goulash whenever you're craving that familiar and satisfying flavor.
FAQ about Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey)
Yes, you can absolutely use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The flavors will still blend beautifully with the other ingredients, providing a delicious and nutritious variation.
Absolutely! This recipe is not only keto-friendly but also kid-friendly. Many families find that even picky eaters enjoy the rich flavors and familiar pasta in this dish. It's a great way to introduce them to low-carb meals.
Absolutely! This goulash actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to meld. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just remember to reheat gently to preserve its wonderful taste and texture.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Low Carb Instant Pot Bolognese Sauce
- Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff
- Keto Lasagna
- Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Pasta
- Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole
- Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey):
- Parmesan Pesto Roasted Cauliflower
- Keto Caesar Salad
- Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
- Keto Dinner Rolls
- Keto Garlic Bread
- Low Carb Mixed Berry Salad
Keto Goulash (American Chop Suey)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cup beef bone broth or more as needed
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried marjoram
- 2 organic bay leaves
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 1/2 tsp pink salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper or to taste
- 8 ounces low carb elbow pasta
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- sour cream optional
Instructions
- Sauté the ground beef in a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, until no pink remains.
- Add the onions and garlic. Stirring occasionally, cook until the onions are translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the bone broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, marjoram, crushed red pepper flake, and bay leaves to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Place a lid on the pot and cook for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add the pasta. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened up.
- Stir in the shredded cheese.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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