Description
This Classic One-Pot American Goulash is a hearty, comforting dinner made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal that uses just one pot and is ready in 30 minutes. Ideal for leftovers and meal prep, this classic American goulash recipe brings nostalgic flavors to your dinner table.
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
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the elbow macaroni and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Serve hot with optional shredded cheese or chopped parsley.
Notes
This recipe makes 6 to 8 generous servings.
You can substitute elbow macaroni with small shells or rotini if needed.
Add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce and maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg