Description
Classic One-Pot American Goulash is the ultimate comfort food — hearty, nostalgic, and easy to make on any weeknight. This quick dinner is packed with ground beef, tender elbow pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce all simmered in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for easy dinner ideas, this easy recipe is a cozy crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a healthy snack, family-friendly dinner ideas, or make-ahead meals, it’s a timeless food idea that always satisfies.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer covered for 10–15 minutes.
6. Stir in the elbow macaroni and cover again. Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover for 1–2 minutes until melted.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Slightly undercook the pasta if you’re planning to store leftovers to prevent mushiness.
Feel free to swap in ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
For a thicker consistency, remove the lid during the last few minutes of simmering to allow more liquid to evaporate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups (approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy dinner, quick recipe, one-pot meals, comfort food, goulash