When weeknights get hectic, the last thing you want is a complicated dinner with a sink full of dishes. That's where our Easy One-Pot Goulash comes to the rescue! This classic American comfort food brings together savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce all in a single pot. It's quick, satisfying, and incredibly simple to clean up, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy families.
Originating as a budget-friendly and hearty meal, American goulash has cemented its place in kitchens across the country. Unlike its Hungarian cousin, which is a stew, American goulash is typically a pasta dish that's perfect for using pantry staples. It's the kind of nostalgic meal that warms you from the inside out and brings everyone to the table without a fuss.
Why This One-Pot Goulash Will Become Your New Favorite
This recipe isn't just easy; it's bursting with flavor and designed for maximum convenience. Here's why you'll love adding it to your weekly rotation:
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, drastically reducing your post-dinner chores.
- Quick & Efficient: From start to finish, you're looking at under 30 minutes, perfect for those super busy evenings.
- Hearty & Filling: Packed with ground beef and pasta, it's a meal that truly satisfies hungry stomachs.
- Customizable: Easily adjust seasonings or add extra veggies to make it your own.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Forget the stress of elaborate cooking! This one-pot wonder delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. It's a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that lets you enjoy more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Goulash
Creating this easy one-pot goulash requires simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a deeply satisfying dish. Here's what you'll need, along with tips for selecting the best ones:
- Ground Beef: Opt for a lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Onion & Garlic: Fresh is best for maximum aroma and flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: These form the base of your rich sauce. Using both provides depth and texture.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice, its small shape is perfect for absorbing the sauce.
- Spices: Paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil are key for that authentic goulash flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a creamy, cheesy finish.
Using quality ingredients, even simple ones, makes a big difference in the final taste. For instance, using fresh garlic and onion will infuse your dish with much more character than powdered alternatives.
Mastering Your One-Pot Goulash: Tips & Tricks
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help ensure your goulash turns out perfectly every time:
- Don't Rush Browning: Fully browning your ground beef and sautéing your aromatics (onion, garlic, bell pepper) creates a crucial flavor base.
- Simmer Gently: Once the pasta is added, keep the heat low and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for Doneness: Taste the pasta towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it's tender but not mushy. Add a little more liquid if it's drying out before the pasta is cooked.
- Rest Before Serving: A short rest off the heat allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld further.
- Cheese Integration: Stirring in most of the cheese off the heat and topping with a little extra for melting creates a beautiful, creamy texture.
For another delicious ground beef dinner, check out our recipe for Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole for Family Dinners.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This hearty one-pot meal is fantastic on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to create a complete and balanced dinner. Consider serving it with:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Crusty bread or garlic toast for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or corn for added nutrients and color.
And for another quick and savory meal idea, you might enjoy our How to Make an Speedy Chicken Bites Garlic Butter Sauce – Clara's Recipes. This goulash is truly a testament to how incredible comfort food can be when prepared simply and with love. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this one-pot goulash recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can! While elbow macaroni is traditional, small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or even small rotini work wonderfully. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, as different pasta types may absorb liquid at varying rates.
How long does leftover one-pot goulash last, and how should I reheat it?
Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
What are some ways to customize this goulash recipe?
This recipe is very versatile! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage, add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or increase the spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a creamier finish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! One-pot goulash makes excellent meal prep. Prepare a batch on the weekend and divide it into individual portions for quick, hearty lunches or dinners throughout the week. The flavors tend to meld even more after a day or two in the fridge.
Easy One-Pot Goulash
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A comforting and quick one-pot American goulash featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth or water
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add chopped onion and diced green bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (or water). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 5: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring all pasta is submerged in the liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your easy one-pot goulash!
Notes
For a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices. If the goulash gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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