If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that also happens to keep your kitchen blissfully tidy, this One Pot Goulash recipe is a true gem. Laden with tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a tomato-rich sauce, every bite warms you from the inside out. What makes this meal so irresistible isn’t just its hearty flavor—it’s the simplicity of tossing everything into one big pot and letting the magic happen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a nostalgic taste of home, this is a weeknight staple that never disappoints. Let’s dive in and see why this One Pot Goulash deserves top billing in your recipe book!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One Pot Goulash lies in its short, straightforward ingredient list. Each component brings something essential to the party—robust flavor, soothing texture, or a pop of color. Here’s exactly what you’ll need (and why you’ll want it!):
- Olive oil: The starting point for sautéing aromatics and grounding the flavors of the dish.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds savory sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings an irresistible, aromatic punch to every bite.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the goulash, making it hearty and protein-packed.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Lends a velvety base for a rich and tangy flavor.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Provides refreshing chunks of tomato and a bright, fresh note.
- Beef broth (3 cups): Infuses the dish with extra savory goodness and helps cook the pasta just right.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): Delivers herbal complexity and ties every element together.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a gorgeous color.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Offers an umami boost you won’t want to skip.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors—season as you go!
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups, uncooked): A classic, quick-cooking pasta that soaks up all the saucy flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): For that luscious, melty finish that brings everyone running to the table.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A final sprinkle for color and a fresh pop right before serving.
How to Make One Pot Goulash
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming up your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then drizzle in that golden olive oil. Add your diced onion and let it gently cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it turns soft and translucent. At this point, stir in the minced garlic and savor that wonderful aroma as it fills your kitchen—just a minute more and you’re priming the pot for serious flavor.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef directly into the pot with the softened onion and garlic. Crumble it up as it browns, stirring occasionally so every bit cooks evenly. This only takes about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, if there’s any excess fat, take a quick moment to drain it off, so your goulash has all the flavor without being greasy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Time to make things hearty! Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and a good shake of salt and pepper. Splash in the Worcestershire sauce—it creates those savory undertones that set One Pot Goulash apart. Stir it all together until combined and let it come to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer with Macaroni
When the sauce is bubbling, stir in your uncooked elbow macaroni. Lower the heat to a cozy simmer and cook everything uncovered for 12–15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking and ensure every piece is soaking up all that flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened enough to cling to every spoonful.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
If you’re all about rich comfort, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese now and watch it melt into creamy ribbons. Sprinkle the whole dish with vibrant chopped parsley for a fresh finish. That’s it—your One Pot Goulash is ready to be served piping hot and with minimal cleanup!
How to Serve One Pot Goulash
Garnishes
Top your One Pot Goulash with a flurry of fresh parsley for color and a touch of herbal brightness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, another sprinkle of shredded cheddar or some thinly sliced green onions adds both flair and flavor. A light dusting of paprika can elevate presentation and give an extra hint of warmth.
Side Dishes
While this dish can stand happily on its own, it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. These sides add a nice balance and turn your One Pot Goulash dinner into a well-rounded feast perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with the presentation! Try serving individual portions in rustic bowls with spirals of steamed green beans on the side or use mini Dutch ovens for a diner-style touch. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top, or serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. There’s no wrong way—just have fun with it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One Pot Goulash is as good the next day as it is freshly made. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen and meld, making leftovers a welcome lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, let your goulash cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without the cheese and stir it in after reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready for another bowl, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. The microwave works just as well—heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot. Then add a fresh sprinkle of parsley and enjoy all over again!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! While classic elbow macaroni is traditional in One Pot Goulash, you can easily swap in small shells, rotini, or penne. Just watch the cooking time, as different shapes might need a minute or two more or less.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or even cooked lentils. Switch the beef broth to vegetable broth, and you have a wonderfully hearty vegetarian version of One Pot Goulash.
Does the cheese need to be included?
Not at all—the cheddar is entirely optional. If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free dish, skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The goulash will still be hearty and full of flavor.
Can I prepare One Pot Goulash ahead for a party?
One Pot Goulash is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and gently reheat just before your guests arrive. This gives the flavors even more time to mingle and deepen.
What’s the difference between American and Hungarian goulash?
While both are delicious comfort foods, American-style One Pot Goulash is a tomato-based pasta dish with ground meat and spices, while Hungarian goulash is more of a paprika-forward beef stew, often served with potatoes or dumplings rather than pasta.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably cheerful about a big pot of One Pot Goulash bubbling away on the stove. It combines everything you want in a weeknight dinner—simple steps, affordable ingredients, and a flavor that feels like a big cozy hug. Give it a try, play around with your own spins, and see why it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
One Pot Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty one-pot American goulash recipe that’s perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Made with ground beef, macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, this dish is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook diced onion until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it up.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add macaroni, simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in cheddar cheese if desired, garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
