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
Scale
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
