Description
This easy one-pot goulash recipe combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and savory tomato sauce into a comforting and hearty meal the whole family will love. It’s the only goulash you’ll ever need—perfect for weeknight dinners, leftovers, or freezer meals. Packed with flavor, simple ingredients, and ready in under 45 minutes, it’s the best American goulash recipe for cozy nights.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until onions are soft, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Add uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. If using cheese, stir in shredded cheddar during the last few minutes until melted and creamy.
6. Remove bay leaf, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Let the goulash sit for 5–10 minutes after cooking to thicken naturally.
You can add bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a slightly lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg