One-Pot American Goulash Recipe
Introduction
One-Pot American Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and cheesy elbow macaroni. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the beef. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Then add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, stir well, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish.
- Swap elbow macaroni for other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini if preferred.
- Top with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Storage
Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular elbow macaroni. Make sure all canned ingredients don’t contain gluten additives.
Is it possible to freeze American goulash?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Print
One-Pot American Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot American Goulash is a comforting and hearty meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients in one skillet for easy preparation and cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef (80/20)
- 1 Large onion, diced
- 1 Bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen its flavor and slightly caramelize it, which adds richness to the sauce.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, and beef broth. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir to distribute the pasta evenly. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to a simmer, allowing the pasta to cook for 12–15 minutes until tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the goulash, giving it a creamy texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes off the heat to thicken slightly, then serve warm for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent greasiness.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially salt and pepper.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- This recipe can be made ahead and reheated; it often tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: One-Pot Goulash, American Goulash, Ground Beef Recipe, One-Pan Dinner, Easy Goulash, Hearty Pasta Dish
