One Pot Goulash Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a family classic that checks all the boxes for comfort, flavor, and sheer convenience: One Pot Goulash. This dish is a hearty medley of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a richly seasoned tomato sauce, all simmered together in just one pot for easy cleanup. It’s the kind of recipe that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and brings everyone to the table with a smile. Whether you’re a busy parent or just craving a cozy, fuss-free meal, One Pot Goulash is destined to become your new go-to for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of One Pot Goulash is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in building bold flavors, satisfying textures, and that beautiful, homey color you expect from a true comfort food. These staples are probably already in your pantry, ready to transform into something heartwarming.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to sauté the beef and veggies, and helps everything come together smoothly.
- Ground beef: The backbone of this goulash, offering a savory, meaty base for all the flavors to develop.
- Onion (chopped): Brings a sweet, aromatic foundation that melds perfectly with the garlic and beef.
- Garlic (minced): Provides a punchy, appetizing aroma that truly makes this dish irresistible.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting every flavor in the pot—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Offers a hint of heat and rounds out the seasoning nicely.
- Paprika: Gives the goulash a lovely color and subtle smokiness, making every bite pop.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with warmth and depth.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Creates a velvety, tangy base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz can): Add juicy bursts of tomato flavor and a rustic texture.
- Beef broth: Intensifies the savory notes while keeping the pasta perfectly saucy.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash gives an umami boost that makes this One Pot Goulash sing.
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked): Soaks up all the flavor as it cooks right in the sauce for ultimate comfort.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into gooey, creamy goodness—totally optional, but highly recommended!
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle of green right before serving for freshness and color.
How to Make One Pot Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle away, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’re looking for that irresistible browned color and those flavorful bits at the bottom—don’t rush this step! If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it off for a lighter finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic fills your kitchen with its signature aroma. These aromatics lay down the foundation for a truly flavorful One Pot Goulash.
Step 3: Season Everything
This is where the magic really happens. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies. You’ll notice the colors deepen and the scent become more inviting—these spices are the heart and soul of your goulash.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil—this is where all the flavors start melding together.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add in your uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring so the noodles are evenly distributed. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it all simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking and to ensure it cooks perfectly in all that savory sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve
If you’re going for maximum comfort, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the pasta, making everything creamy and decadent. Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Your One Pot Goulash is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Goulash
Garnishes
A classic finish for One Pot Goulash is a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, which adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you love a little kick, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a swirl of sour cream on top for extra creaminess.
Side Dishes
This dish is truly a meal on its own, but you can round it out beautifully with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or even some steamed vegetables. These sides offer a lovely contrast to the hearty, robust flavors of the goulash.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving One Pot Goulash in individual ramekins or bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a parsley leaf on each. You could also spoon it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, or serve it family-style in a big pot right at the table for a homey, communal vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One Pot Goulash makes fantastic leftovers! Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen, making the next day’s lunch or dinner even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep some on hand for busy nights, let the goulash cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the goulash in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it’s thickened up. Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave individual servings with a loose cover. The cheesy goodness and hearty flavors come right back to life!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for One Pot Goulash, you can use shells, rotini, or penne—just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed for the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The result is just as comforting and flavorful for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
Can I make One Pot Goulash ahead of time?
Definitely! This dish actually tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors have more time to meld. Just reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
No worries! You can leave it out or substitute with a splash of soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of tangy umami depth.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Of course! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end are all great additions to boost the nutrition and add extra color to your One Pot Goulash.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s easy to make, deeply comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser—One Pot Goulash truly checks every box. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own, sharing the warmth and flavor with everyone around your table!
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One Pot Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
One Pot Goulash is a hearty and comforting American classic that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs. This easy stovetop meal is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering satisfying flavor with minimal cleanup. Topped optionally with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a family-friendly dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Optional Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to avoid excess fat in the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant, which builds the foundational flavor.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning over the beef and aromatics. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the boiling mixture and stir to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta is tender and the flavors meld.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated for a creamy finish.
- Serve: Spoon the goulash into bowls or plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter, leaner alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheat well, making this a convenient next-day lunch option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
