If you’re searching for a soul-warming, family-pleasing meal that delivers big flavor with little fuss, look no further than this hearty One Pot Goulash. This American-style classic packs ground beef, tender pasta, zesty tomatoes, and a touch of smoky spice into every cozy spoonful. Best of all, the magic happens in a single pot, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas and leaving you with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, One Pot Goulash is the delicious answer to “What’s for dinner?”
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Each ingredient in One Pot Goulash brings something special, whether it’s flavor, texture, or that mouthwatering, homey aroma you love.
- Ground beef: Adds the hearty, savory base that gives the dish its satisfying bite.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed for subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, but they infuse the whole pot with irresistible fragrance.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a rich, velvety backdrop for all the flavors to meld together.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a pop of juicy brightness.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savory profile and helps the pasta cook perfectly.
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives that umami boost for a craveable, complex taste.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that layers in aromatic, comforting notes.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a gentle smokiness that warms up the whole dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balance and just the right kick.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic and quick-cooking, these little tubes soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Stirred in at the end for creamy richness and a gorgeous melt.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and enhancing overall flavor right from the first step.
How to Make One Pot Goulash
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook it until it turns soft and translucent, releasing its sweetness. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute — just until its fragrance fills the kitchen — to avoid burning.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Crank up the flavor by adding the ground beef directly into the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the beef into crumbles as it browns. Cook until no pink remains, and if there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it for a lighter finish.
Step 3: Simmer It All Together
Now it’s time to transform your base into vibrant One Pot Goulash. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer, letting those flavors start to mingle.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Once everything’s simmering and smells divine, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Pop on the lid and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. The pasta will plump up and soak in every bit of flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese (Optional)
For the grand finale, remove your pot from the heat and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a gentle stir to melt the cheese into creamy pockets throughout the dish. Let everything sit for 5 minutes with the lid on, so the goulash gets even richer and more comforting before serving.
How to Serve One Pot Goulash
Garnishes
Bring your One Pot Goulash to life with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, extra cheddar cheese, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you crave a little heat. These finishing touches add a burst of color and a punch of flavor that make each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can round out the meal with a simple green salad, buttered peas, or slices of warm crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. A side of crunchy dill pickles or tangy coleslaw brings brightness and contrast to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve One Pot Goulash in individual ramekins, or hollow out small bread bowls for an edible serving vessel kids and adults will both love. Hosting guests? Offer toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, or diced jalapeños for a customizable goulash bar.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One Pot Goulash tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Simply let the leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The pasta continues to soak up the sauce, making each bite extra flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your goulash, let it cool completely first. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, labeling with the date. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm your One Pot Goulash on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot and steamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and quickly absorbs the savory sauce, other small varieties like rotini, shells, or penne also work well. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the shape you choose.
Is it possible to make One Pot Goulash vegetarian?
Yes, you can create a delicious vegetarian version by swapping the ground beef for cooked lentils, plant-based crumbles, or extra mushrooms, and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavor remains rich and extremely comforting.
Can I add more vegetables to One Pot Goulash?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even frozen peas during the simmering stage. Extra veggies add nutrition, color, and a touch of sweetness that blends perfectly with the classic flavors.
How do I make it spicier?
If you like a little kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or add a diced jalapeño alongside the onion and garlic. You can also top each bowl with a dash of hot sauce for individualized heat.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! One Pot Goulash is ideal for feeding a hungry group. Simply double all of the ingredients and use your largest pot. The cooking time stays about the same; just give everything an occasional stir to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sharing a pot of homemade One Pot Goulash with people you love. With its rich flavors, simple steps, and fuss-free cleanup, this dish quickly becomes a staple in any kitchen. Give it a try this week, and you might just find it becoming your go-to comfort food, too!
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One Pot Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make One Pot Goulash recipe that is perfect for a hearty family dinner. This American classic is a flavorful combination of ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni, and savory spices, all cooked together in one pot for a convenient and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Cook Goulash: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then add elbow macaroni. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors develop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: ~360
- Sugar: ~7 g
- Sodium: ~720 mg
- Fat: ~15 g
- Saturated Fat: ~6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~8 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~34 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~24 g
- Cholesterol: ~65 mg
