If you are searching for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together with ease, this One Pot Goulash Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine hearty ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, tender elbow macaroni, and gooey melted cheddar all simmering together in one pot, creating a meal that is rich, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a warm and satisfying dish. It’s simple, hearty, and full of flavor — a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a big hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward yet thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one is essential, contributing to layers of deliciousness, vibrant color, and comforting texture in the final dish.
- Ground beef: Provides savory depth and hearty texture that forms the base of the goulash.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch when sautéed to perfection.
- Minced garlic: Brings fragrant warmth that elevates every bite.
- Beef broth: Infuses the pasta and sauce with rich, meaty flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Contributes smooth, tangy richness to marry all ingredients beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes: Add vibrant color and juicy chunks to balance the sauce’s texture.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a deeper, more robust taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret weapon that lends umami and a subtle tang.
- Italian seasoning: Aromatic herbs that bring Mediterranean warmth and depth.
- Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and lovely color to the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but fantastic for a gentle, spicy kick.
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to soak up sauce and create the classic goulash texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy, cheesy goodness for the perfect finishing touch.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh note and cheerful color.
How to Make One Pot Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating up a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it brown, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This browning step is crucial because it builds a rich foundation of flavor. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic directly to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This layer adds sweetness and aromatic complexity, making the dish sing.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring this mixture to a simmer. This step combines all those fantastic flavors and lets them meld beautifully before the pasta goes in.
Step 4: Incorporate the Pasta and Cook
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, then cover the pot and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom and the pasta cooks evenly. The pasta absorbs the sauce, becoming tender and perfectly saucy.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Season
Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy dream. Taste and then season with salt and pepper to your preference. This melty cheese finish adds that soulful comfort to the dish.
How to Serve One Pot Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top right before serving to add a pop of color and fresh brightness that beautifully cuts through the richness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy dimension if you’re feeling indulgent.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables pairs wonderfully. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also excellent for soaking up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this goulash in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled briefly for a bubbly crust. Or layer it into a casserole dish and bake uncovered for 10 minutes for a baked goulash variation. It’s versatile enough to suit your mood and occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making for a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze One Pot Goulash Recipe for up to 2 months. Store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Allow it to cool completely before freezing and leave some space in the container for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly to ensure even warming and prevent sticking. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water. You can also use the microwave, stirring halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well here; you might want to add a little extra seasoning to boost flavor.
Do I have to use elbow macaroni?
Not at all. You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne, just keep the cooking time in mind as it may vary.
Is this dish spicy?
It’s only spicy if you choose to add the crushed red pepper flakes, which are optional. You can adjust the heat level to your taste or omit them altogether.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Why does the pasta sometimes stick to the pot?
Stirring occasionally during cooking and making sure there’s enough liquid helps prevent sticking. Using a heavy-bottomed pot also distributes heat more evenly.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Goulash Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients, when cooked together with love, create something truly comforting and memorable. It’s an easy dinner that fills the kitchen with mouth-watering aromas and the table with smiles. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every delicious, cheesy, saucy bite!
Print
One Pot Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Goulash is a comforting and hearty meal combining ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with Italian seasoning and paprika. Cooked entirely in one pot, it’s an easy and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover the pot, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Add cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the cheese.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
