If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together without a fuss, this One Pot Goulash Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Combining juicy ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a luscious tomato-based sauce infused with savory spices, this dish offers that perfect blend of textures and flavors all cooked in just one pot. It’s an all-in-one dinner wonder that delivers warmth and satisfaction with every bite, making weeknight meals a breeze and family dinners a joyous gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot Goulash Recipe lies in its simplicity, with pantry staples working harmoniously to build rich depth and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s bringing in savory, tangy, spicy, or creamy notes, ensuring your dish is bursting with flavor and inviting aromas.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds meaty richness and satisfying texture.
- 1 onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory foundation when softened and caramelized.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers an aromatic kick that elevates the overall flavor.
- 2 cups beef broth: Adds depth and moisture, infusing the pasta and sauce with savory goodness.
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce: Contributes smooth tanginess and luscious tomato flavor.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Brings texture and bursts of zesty freshness into the sauce.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami layer that complements the meat beautifully.
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that brightens the sauce with hints of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- 1 tsp paprika: Provides smoky warmth and a gentle earthiness.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a touch of heat for those who like a little spice.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked: The classic pasta choice that absorbs flavors and offers comforting bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Stirred in at the end for creamy, melty richness that ties the dish together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every element.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh burst of color and a subtle herbal note.
How to Make One Pot Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the beef until it’s no longer pink is crucial for developing those rich, caramelized flavors that serve as the backbone of this goulash. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic straight into the pot with the beef. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, and the garlic releases its intoxicating aroma. This step layers the flavors and softens the veggies so they blend seamlessly into the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time to pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This simmering process lets all those spices and ingredients meld beautifully, creating a robust and savory sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once your sauce is simmering, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up the flavorful liquid, becoming tender and infused with the rich tomato and beef essence. This step really simplifies the cooking process and keeps your cleanup minimal.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese into the goulash. Stir it thoroughly until it melts into the dish, creating a creamy, cheesy texture that adds an irresistible comfort food element. The cheese also rounds out the acidity of the tomatoes, giving the dish a luscious finish.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your goulash and add salt and pepper as needed to enhance and balance the flavors. If you have fresh parsley on hand, sprinkle some over the top for a pop of color and a fresh hint of herbaceous brightness. Your One Pot Goulash Recipe is ready to be served hot and enjoyed!
How to Serve One Pot Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your goulash elevates it from tasty to simply irresistible. Fresh parsley offers a lovely green contrast and a mild herbal punch that cuts through the richness. For a little extra flair, you could add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top for gooey goodness.
Side Dishes
While this goulash is pretty much a one-dish wonder, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread can add a welcome crunch and bright contrast. Roasted vegetables also make a great accompaniment if you want to boost the veggie quotient without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the goulash right from the pot, garnished and bubbling, inviting everyone to dig in together. If you want to impress guests, plate individual portions in shallow bowls, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a light drizzle of olive oil to make it feel special. You could even stuff it into bell peppers as a fun variation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One Pot Goulash Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors continue to meld, the dish actually tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic lunch or dinner option when you’re short on time.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for longer, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave some room for expansion and label the containers with the date for easy meal planning.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating to loosen the sauce as the pasta tends to soak up liquid when stored.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this One Pot Goulash Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage can be great alternatives if you want a lighter or different flavor profile. Just adjust the seasoning as needed since different meats have varying fat contents and flavors.
What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
Any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or shells will work well. Just keep cooking times in mind since some pastas may cook a bit faster or slower than elbow macaroni.
Is it okay to leave out the crushed red pepper flakes?
Yes, the red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but the goulash is delicious without it if you prefer a milder taste, especially when serving children or spice-sensitive guests.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For a vegan version, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative that melts well.
How can I make this dish creamier?
For extra creaminess, stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese at the end, or add more shredded cheese to suit your preference. Some people enjoy a splash of milk or cream as well to enrich the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Goulash Recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want a cozy, satisfying meal without fuss or mess. With its rich flavors, comforting textures, and straightforward preparation, it quickly earns a spot among your go-to recipes. I encourage you to give it a try, and I promise it will bring warmth and smiles to your table every time.
Print
One Pot Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Goulash recipe is a hearty and comforting meal featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and tender elbow macaroni all cooked together in a rich, flavorful tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner, it combines savory spices and melted cheddar cheese for a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, building flavor.
- Add liquids and spices: Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and simmer 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 and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted, creating a creamy, rich texture.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
- Stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Customize the heat by adjusting or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor or mild cheddar for a subtler taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
