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
Scale
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.
