When the craving for comfort food hits, this One Pot Goulash Recipe is a total game-changer. Rich, hearty, and packed with bold flavors, it brings together tender ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta in one pot for fuss-free cooking and maximum deliciousness. You’ll love how the blend of Italian seasoning and paprika creates a warm, inviting dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe is your go-to for satisfying everyone at the table without a mountain of dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this One Pot Goulash Recipe are refreshingly simple but deliver incredible depth. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from adding savory richness to boosting color and texture that makes every bite delightful.
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty, rich base loaded with protein and flavor.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and complexity when softened.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic punch.
- Beef broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that melds with the tomato base.
- Tomato sauce: Gives smooth, tangy body and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Diced tomatoes: Add texture and bursts of fresh tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato richness and thickens the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory, slightly tangy depth that enhances the beef.
- Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and a beautiful red hue.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, for a gentle kick of heat if you like some spice.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice that soaks up the sauce and keeps every bite comforting.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy goodness for that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, for a pop of color and herby freshness as garnish.
How to Make One Pot Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the meat thoroughly is key because it builds a flavorful foundation for the whole dish. Once the beef is cooked through and browned nicely, drain any excess fat to keep the final goulash balanced and not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the beef. Cook them together for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and the garlic’s aromatic punch. This step amps up the depth of flavor and invites everyone to the table with irresistible smells.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now it’s time to stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This slow simmer blends all those robust flavors into a luscious sauce that will soak into your pasta for every spoonful to be a delight.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once your sauce is simmering, gently stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot, then let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes while you stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb all the delicious sauce while becoming tender and perfectly cooked. This step really transforms the dish into a truly one-pot meal sensation.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Season
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. It melts right into the hot goulash, creating a creamy, cheesy texture that takes the dish over the top. Finish with salt and pepper to taste — adjusting these seasonings ensures every bite is just right for your palate.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy or want a fresh contrast, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve this hearty One Pot Goulash Recipe hot and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve One Pot Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top adds a beautiful finishing touch. For added creaminess, a dollop of sour cream lifts the cozy flavors and adds a cool contrast to the warm, rich sauce.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balance of freshness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are fantastic to sop up any leftover sauce and satisfy that carb-loving heart.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your goulash in individual bowls with an extra sprinkle of cheese melting on top, or layer it in a casserole dish and bake briefly until bubbly for a twist on classic baked pasta. Adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers into the mix can also elevate the texture and add a vegetable boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This One Pot Goulash Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the pasta has thickened too much, adding a splash of beef broth or water will loosen the sauce back to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can easily swap in penne, rotini, or even shells. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the pasta is tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth and skip Worcestershire sauce or use a vegetarian version. The tomato base and seasoning keep the flavor hearty and satisfying.
How spicy is this One Pot Goulash Recipe?
The recipe has a mild warmth from paprika and optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by adding more or leaving out the red pepper flakes entirely for a kid-friendly version.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it for a party?
Definitely! It holds up really well when made ahead and tastes even better as the flavors marry. Reheat gently and stir in extra cheese or fresh herbs just before serving.
What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar and a touch of sugar is a handy substitute to maintain that savory umami depth.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this easy and flavorful One Pot Goulash Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that quickly becomes a family favorite and brings warm, comforting vibes to any table. Give it a try and watch how simple ingredients come together to create such a satisfying meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
One Pot Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Goulash recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that combines ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce all cooked together in a single pot. It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that delivers robust flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the liquids and seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
- Feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or penne.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before cooking through, add a splash of water or broth as needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a little additional broth or water to loosen the sauce.
