There’s something uniquely comforting about a hearty bowl of goulash. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. This One-Pot Goulash Recipe simplifies that classic comfort, bringing you a delicious, family-pleasing dinner without the mountain of dishes. Everything, from browning the beef to simmering the macaroni, happens in a single pot. It’s the ultimate easy-to-make, easy-to-clean meal that delivers rich, savory flavor every single time. Get ready to make this your new go-to weeknight dinner.
What Makes This One-Pot Goulash Recipe a Weeknight Winner?
This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a solution for busy families who crave wholesome, homemade meals. The magic lies in its simplicity and flavor.
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in a single Dutch oven or large pot, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your evening.
- Quick & Efficient: This entire meal comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: Simmering the macaroni in the savory tomato and beef sauce infuses every single bite with incredible depth of flavor—something you just don’t get by cooking them separately.
American Goulash vs. Hungarian Goulash: What’s the Difference?
It’s a common point of confusion, but the two dishes are quite distinct. Hungarian goulash is a traditional, slow-cooked stew made with chunks of beef (like in a classic beef stew), onions, and a generous amount of paprika. It’s often served over noodles or with dumplings.
This recipe is for American Goulash, sometimes called “American Chop Suey.” It’s a quicker, more pasta-based dish featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s the beloved, hearty comfort food many of us grew up with.
The Essential Ingredients for Perfect Goulash
The beauty of this recipe is its reliance on simple, accessible pantry staples. No fancy ingredients are needed to create this rich and savory meal.
- Ground Beef: We recommend using 85/15 lean ground beef. It has enough fat to add flavor but not so much that the final dish is greasy.
- Aromatics: A simple combination of yellow onion, green bell pepper, and garlic creates the foundational flavor base.
- Liquids: A mix of beef broth, tomato sauce, and petite diced tomatoes creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly cooks the pasta.
- Seasonings: Paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are all you need. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds a wonderful, subtle depth.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for American goulash. Its small, tubular shape is perfect for catching the delicious sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirred in at the end, creates a wonderfully creamy and cheesy finish.
How to Make the Best One-Pot Goulash: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof goulash that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir well to combine, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Pro Tips for Goulash Success
Want to take your One-Pot Goulash Recipe from great to absolutely perfect? Keep these simple tips in mind.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Start checking the macaroni for doneness around the 15-minute mark. You want it to be tender but not mushy.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest results, buy a block and shred it yourself.
- Let it Rest: After stirring in the cheese, let the goulash sit for about 5 minutes off the heat. This allows the sauce to thicken up perfectly. If you love easy ground beef dinners, you should also try these delicious high-protein cheeseburger bowls.
What to Serve with Your Goulash
While this goulash is a fantastic meal on its own, a simple side can make it even better. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette provides a nice, crisp contrast. And of course, you can’t go wrong with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping into that incredible sauce. A slice of homemade Amish white bread is the perfect companion.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Goulash makes for fantastic leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Goulash is a great make-ahead meal as the flavors continue to meld overnight. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
If your goulash is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. The sauce will also thicken naturally as it cools and rests.
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic, a bay leaf to the sauce while it simmers, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A dash of soy sauce can also deepen the umami flavor.
American goulash is a pasta-based dish made with ground beef and a tomato sauce. Hungarian goulash is a traditional, slow-cooked beef stew seasoned heavily with paprika and is typically served over noodles or with dumplings.
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for American goulash. However, other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or ditalini work wonderfully as they are great for catching the savory sauce.
The Best One-Pot Goulash Recipe
One-Pot Goulash Recipe (The Best & Easiest!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain off excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip 2: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini along with the onions and peppers.
Tip 3: If the goulash seems too thick, you can stir in an extra splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Share Your Creation!
We are sure this easy One-Pot Goulash Recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table. If you make it, we’d love to see! Leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!
