Description

If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and satisfying one-pot dinner, *The Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need* delivers every time. This easy recipe combines tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce packed with flavor — all cooked in one pot. It’s perfect for quick dinners, budget meals, or nostalgic comfort food cravings. Ideal for families, meal prep, or freezer meals, this dish is a true classic. Keywords: quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, family meals, one pot recipes, hearty goulash, ground beef ideas.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups tomato sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

2 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Stir in the chopped onions and cook until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.

4. Add bay leaves, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix to combine.

5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.

6. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover, and simmer for another 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

7. Remove bay leaves. Stir in cheese or parsley if using.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in shredded cheddar cheese right before serving.

To freeze, slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become too soft when reheated.

Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx.)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: goulash, one-pot meal, ground beef dinner, pasta, comfort food