Name: Classic One-Pot American Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces); 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of American Goulash. This one-pot wonder combines tender elbow macaroni with savory ground beef, sweet onions, and a rich tomato sauce that’s seasoned just right. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table, no matter how busy life gets.

American Goulash is beloved for being incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and satisfying in the most nostalgic way. Whether you grew up calling it goulash, slumgullion, or just good ol’ beefy pasta, this classic recipe is a staple for a reason. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Classic One-Pot American Goulash

This goulash is weeknight magic. Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less mess and more flavor as the ingredients mingle together. It’s quick to prepare, done in about 30 minutes, and perfect for meal prep or leftovers. The comforting combination of pasta, beef, and tomatoes is timeless and endlessly customizable.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for American Goulash. It holds up well, soaks up all the flavors, and offers that ideal bite in every spoonful. However, you can swap in other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid over-softening.

Ingredients for the Classic One-Pot American Goulash

This goulash relies on a handful of pantry staples that you probably already have. Every ingredient plays a part in making the dish deeply savory and soul-warming.

Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Elbow macaroni
Tomato sauce
Diced tomatoes
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Paprika
Italian seasoning
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper

How To Make the Classic One-Pot American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Base

Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all the seasonings. Give it a good stir to combine.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Add the elbow macaroni and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle the goulash into bowls and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store American Goulash

This recipe feeds about 6 to 8 people generously, making it ideal for big families or anyone who enjoys leftovers. Serve it straight from the pot with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or chopped parsley on top if you like a little extra flair.

To store, let the goulash cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

What to Serve With Goulash?

Garlic Bread

To soak up every last drop of that tomatoey goodness, nothing beats a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette brings a fresh contrast to the richness of the goulash.

Steamed Green Beans

Light and easy, green beans pair perfectly and add a healthy green element to your plate.

Cucumber Salad

The cool crunch of cucumbers in a creamy or vinegary dressing offers a refreshing balance.

Roasted Vegetables

Toss whatever you have on hand—carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers—with olive oil and roast until golden.

Cheddar Biscuits

Fluffy, cheesy biscuits on the side make it feel like Sunday supper.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

Their tang cuts through the rich meat and pasta and adds zip to every bite.

Want More One-Pot Dinner Ideas?

If you love this easy American Goulash, you might also enjoy these comfort-filled favorites:

Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a vegetarian twist with silky sauce.
The One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is rich and full of flavor.
Go for Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese if you’re craving full cheese indulgence.
No Peek Chicken Casserole makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Cozy up with Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup on a chilly day.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up or keep it classic? Add bell peppers or mushrooms? I love hearing how others make this dish their own.

Explore beautifully curated comfort meals and weeknight favorites on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for hearty homemade dinners: Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Classic One-Pot American Goulash is everything a cozy meal should be. Warm, filling, and made with love, it checks all the boxes for a weeknight staple that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re making it for the first time or revisiting a childhood favorite, this dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.