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Cozy One-Pot American Goulash – Hearty, Classic & Perfect for Family Dinners 🍲🇺🇸

This One-Pot American Goulash is the ultimate nostalgic comfort food: tender ground beef simmered in a rich, tomatoey sauce with elbow macaroni, onions, garlic, and plenty of savory seasoning. Everything cooks together in one pot for an easy, hearty weeknight dinner your whole family will love—plus, it’s budget-friendly and makes great leftovers! 🍝✨
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍖 Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce optional, adds umami
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
🧀 Optional Toppings
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or deep skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Brown the Beef
  1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
  1. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
  1. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire, soy sauce (if using), Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in beef broth and mix well.
Step 4: Add Pasta & Simmer
  1. Bring mixture to a boil. Add elbow macaroni, stir to combine.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce is thickened.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  2. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

🥄 Variations
Spicy: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Cheesy Goulash: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese before serving.
Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, corn, or peas.
Turkey Goulash: Swap ground beef for ground turkey.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a pot over medium or microwave until hot.
Freezer: Freeze cooled goulash in airtight containers for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight.
❓ 10 FAQs
What’s the difference between American goulash and Hungarian goulash?
American goulash is a tomato-based pasta dish; Hungarian goulash is a paprika-rich beef stew.
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes—adjust cook time as needed.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free pasta.
Can I add beans?
Yes—black or kidney beans work great.
What’s the best pasta shape?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells or ditalini work too.
Can I prep ahead?
Yes—chop veggies or brown beef up to 2 days in advance.
How do I prevent mushy pasta?
Simmer gently and stir occasionally; don’t overcook.
Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely—mild flavors and comforting texture kids love.
What sides pair well?
Green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—use a large pot or Dutch oven.
📝 Conclusion
This Cozy One-Pot American Goulash is hearty, budget-friendly, and packed with nostalgic flavors—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a comforting family meal that’s sure to please everyone. 🍲❤️