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
Scale
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
