There’s nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of One Pot Goulash. This beloved American classic brings together tender pasta, savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and just the right blend of herbs for a weeknight dinner that’s as fuss-free as it is satisfying. Every bite is delightfully homey, and since everything cooks in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze! Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or prepping a hearty family meal, this One Pot Goulash is sure to become your go-to recipe for cozy, easy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One Pot Goulash comes together with everyday ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and heartiness you’ll crave. Here’s what you need and why it matters:
- Olive Oil: Gives a smooth richness and helps sauté your onions and garlic to perfection.
- Onion: Adds a savory sweetness that forms the aromatic base of the dish.
- Garlic: Delivers that essential punch of flavor, making your goulash irresistible.
- Ground Beef: Infuses the dish with hearty protein and mouthwatering, beefy flavor.
- Beef Broth: Deepens the savory notes and ensures the pasta cooks up flavorful and tender.
- Tomato Sauce: Provides that luscious, velvety tomato base for your sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds vibrant pops of tomato, color, and a bit of juicy texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Offers a hint of tangy, umami depth that ties it all together.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings those classic herby tones, making the dish feel rustic and inviting.
- Paprika: Lends a gentle smokiness and warm color.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, peppery warmth throughout the goulash.
- Elbow Macaroni: The ultimate comfort pasta—sturdy enough to hold up and soak up all those flavors.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional): Melts into a silky, cheesy finish for extra richness.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens everything up with a final touch of freshness and color.
How to Make One Pot Goulash
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and let it gently sizzle until it’s soft, translucent, and fragrant—about 4 minutes. Right before the onions are done, add the garlic and give it a quick stir until you catch that wonderful aroma. This pairing is truly the flavor backbone of your One Pot Goulash!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Crank up the comfort by adding the ground beef straight into your pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it cook until nicely browned and crumbly, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off—this way, your goulash stays rich but never greasy!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Time to give your dish its signature saucy goodness. Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. As everything comes together, you’ll see the rich base for your One Pot Goulash take shape. Bring the pot to a gentle boil so all those flavors can mingle.
Step 4: Add the Pasta and Simmer
Now comes the pasta magic—add your uncooked elbow macaroni right into the bubbling pot. Stir it through so every piece is submerged in that delicious sauce. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer away for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch as the pasta absorbs the flavorful liquid, becoming perfectly tender while the sauce thickens around it.
Step 5: Make it Cheesy (Optional) and Serve
If you’re in the mood for some extra indulgence, sprinkle in your shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into creamy ribbons throughout the goulash. Give it one last taste for seasoning, then finish with a generous shower of fresh parsley. Your One Pot Goulash is ready to be served piping hot!
How to Serve One Pot Goulash
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way to boost both flavor and visual appeal. A handful of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a dollop of sour cream on top for added zest.
Side Dishes
One Pot Goulash is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. If you love contrasts, try a crisp cucumber salad or some steamed green beans for fresh crunch alongside the richness of the goulash.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up your One Pot Goulash by serving it in cast iron bowls or large, rustic mugs for a cozy touch. For parties or family-style dinners, ladle it into a big casserole dish and top with broiled cheese—everyone can scoop their portion right at the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Goulash keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer cooled goulash to an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together overnight!
Freezing
For longer-term storage, One Pot Goulash is freezer-friendly. Freeze individual portions or a whole batch in well-sealed containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use, and give it a good stir before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your goulash into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot. Alternatively, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat—add a splash of water or broth if it gets a bit thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While classic elbow macaroni is traditional in One Pot Goulash, shells, rotini, or penne all work well. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time, as different shapes may need a minute more or less.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or even cooked lentils. Substitute vegetable broth for beef broth, and your One Pot Goulash stays just as hearty and soul-warming.
Does the cheese have to be added?
Nope! The cheddar cheese is totally optional. It adds creaminess and extra flavor, but the goulash is still delicious without it. Try sprinkling the cheese just on individual servings if your crowd has mixed preferences.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, this recipe scales up very easily. Just use a larger pot and double all the ingredients—keep an eye on the simmering time, as a bigger batch may take a few extra minutes for the pasta to cook through.
What if my goulash seems too thick?
If your One Pot Goulash thickens more than you like (especially after sitting), just stir in a bit of extra broth or water to loosen things up. Taste again for seasoning before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a meal that combines simplicity, big flavor, and the comfort of home cooking, you absolutely have to give One Pot Goulash a try. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible scents and brings everyone to the table with a smile. Happy cooking!
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One Pot Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Goulash recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting family meal. Made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this easy stovetop meal is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Plus, it all comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lb ground beef
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Simmer: Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and stir well. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the cheese if using, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great meal prep option.
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