Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: One Pot Goulash. This easy, hearty dinner delivers all the rich flavors of a slowly simmered stew, but comes together in just about half an hour! With tender macaroni, succulent ground beef, and a savory tomato sauce, every bite is pure nostalgia—plus, it’s all made in one pot for minimal cleanup. If you’re craving something cozy, filling, and deeply satisfying, this One Pot Goulash has you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about One Pot Goulash is how it brings together simple, straightforward ingredients that transform into something absolutely delicious. Every item on this list helps create big flavor, lovely textures, or a pop of color. Keep this dish in your weeknight rotation and you’ll always have a winning meal ready fast!

Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the beef to perfection.
Ground beef: Provides savory depth and hearty texture; go for 80–85% lean for best flavor.
Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and aromatic backbone in every bite.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a subtle, savory punch that elevates the sauce.
Beef broth: Enhances the beefy undertones and helps cook the pasta to tender goodness.
Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, velvety base that hugs the pasta and meat.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Give lovely texture, zesty tang, and extra juiciness.
Worcestershire sauce: Secret ingredient alert! Adds umami and a little extra depth.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs for classic comfort and flavor balance.
Paprika: A touch brings subtle warmth and glow to the entire dish.
Salt: Just enough to brighten and unify all the flavors.
Black pepper: Freshly ground brings a gentle, savory heat.
Elbow macaroni (uncooked): These classic short noodles soak up all the saucy goodness as they cook.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Stirred in at the end for melty, cheesy comfort.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for fresh flavor and vibrant color.

How to Make One Pot Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your ground beef and use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown completely for the best flavor. If there’s excess grease after browning, drain it off—this keeps your One Pot Goulash perfectly balanced and not too heavy.

Step 2: Soften the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onion turns soft and translucent (the smell is downright irresistible!). Stir in the minced garlic for about thirty seconds, letting it gently infuse the oil and meat without burning.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Next comes the flavor magic: pour in your beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes (juices and all!). Give it a good stir so all the tomato goodness mingles with the beef and onions. Then add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this beautiful mixture come up to a boil—it’s already smelling like home!

Step 4: Add the Macaroni

Now toss in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir everything together so that the pasta is well coated and submerged in that luscious sauce. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover your pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally and keep an eye out; the pasta should become tender and most of the liquid absorbed, but not dry.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

If you’re a fan of cheesy goulash (who isn’t?), sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until it’s melted through, giving the dish a creamy richness. Top with fresh chopped parsley if you have it handy—the pop of green is so inviting. Scoop generously and serve your One Pot Goulash straight from the pot while it’s piping hot.

How to Serve One Pot Goulash

Garnishes

Nothing livens up your One Pot Goulash faster than a handful of freshly chopped parsley or extra cheese on top. For a playful kick, try sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even a little hot sauce in each bowl. These finishing touches add color and zing that make every bowl pop.

Side Dishes

This goulash is truly a meal on its own, but you can never go wrong pairing it with some warm, crusty bread or classic garlic toast to soak up all that sauce. A fresh green salad on the side is lovely too, adding a bit of crunch and freshness to balance all the cozy comforts in your bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests (or just have fun on a weeknight!), try serving your One Pot Goulash in mini Dutch ovens or oven-safe bowls, sprinkled with extra cheese and run under the broiler for a golden top. Or, fill large mugs for an ultra-casual family dinner. Kids especially love “goulash boats”—serve the goulash in split bread rolls and top with cheese for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your One Pot Goulash to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, and reheats deliciously. The flavors have extra time to mingle, making tomorrow’s leftovers taste even better.

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible and lay flat for efficient storage. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Just scoop your leftover goulash into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up, and gently reheat. Stir every so often until it’s piping hot and bubbly—cheese gets nice and gooey again, just like the first time!

FAQs

Can I make One Pot Goulash with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken to lighten up the dish. The results are still savory and satisfying. You may want to add a splash of extra olive oil to keep things moist and rich.

What type Main Course

Elbow macaroni is a classic choice since it cooks quickly and grabs the sauce beautifully. But you can use other short shapes, like rotini, penne, or small shells, with equally delicious results. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta you choose.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, too. Check the pasta for doneness a bit early, as some gluten-free varieties cook faster and may need more or less liquid.

Is it possible to prepare One Pot Goulash ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook it completely, cool, and refrigerate. In fact, the flavors get even richer after a day in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving and you’re set for easy, make-ahead lunches or dinners.

Can I add vegetables to One Pot Goulash?

Definitely! Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or peas along with the onion for an extra nutrient boost. This is a great way to sneak in more veggies and customize the dish to your taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bring this One Pot Goulash into your own kitchen! It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again—easy, comforting, and packed with heart. Gather your loved ones, set the table, and enjoy every spoonful of this cozy classic.

One Pot Goulash Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal with this easy One Pot Goulash recipe. Made with ground beef, macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce, this dish is a family favorite. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups beef broth
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add ground beef and cook until browned.
Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and cook until softened, then add garlic.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
Cook Pasta: Add macaroni, simmer until tender and liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Optional: stir in cheese, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!