One-Pot American Goulash

Ah, the comforting embrace of a good old American goulash! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening—a nostalgic mix of flavors and textures that takes me back to family dinners from my childhood. I still remember my mom stirring away in the kitchen, the rich aroma wafting through the house as we gathered around the table. It’s cozy, hearty, and so easy to whip up in one pot. Trust me, once you try this One-Pot American Goulash, you’ll keep it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this recipe special? For starters, it’s a riff on that classic comfort food we all grew up with. The flavor profile is a delightful symphony of savory beef, sweet peppers, and zesty tomatoes, all mingling together in a rich broth that clings to perfectly al dente macaroni. Imagine digging your spoon into a thick, hearty concoction, the cheese oozing as you lift it out—it’s comfort food at its finest!

This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on what you have in your fridge, making it a perfect solution for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, everything comes together in one pot, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s gather everything we need! Here’s what you’ll need to create your culinary masterpiece:

• 1 lb Ground beef (80/20): This fat content helps create a juicy flavor that holds up well in the broth. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you can substitute ground turkey or even quinoa for a vegetarian twist.

• 1 Large Onion, diced: Sweet and aromatic, the onion lays the foundation for that savory goodness. Feel free to swap it with shallots for a milder taste or add some green onions for a fresh bite.

• 1 Bell Pepper, diced: Adds a dash of color and a hint of sweetness. Any bell pepper works here—red, green, or yellow—so use what you have on hand.

• 3 cloves Garlic, minced: Because what’s a meal without garlic? It lends that aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.

• 1 can Tomato sauce (15 oz): This brings moisture and richness. You can use crushed tomatoes if you like a chunkier texture.

• 1 can Diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): A burst of vibrant flavor and texture. If you love a little kick, consider using diced tomatoes with green chilies!

• 2 tbsp Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that intensifies the flavor. Don’t skip this step—it’s magic!

• 2 cups Beef broth: This stews everything to perfection. Vegetable broth can be a great substitute if you’re going for a meatless version.

• 2 cups Elbow macaroni, uncooked: The classic pasta pairing! You could also experiment with shells or small penne for a fun twist.

• 2 tsp Paprika: Adds warmth and depth. Feel adventurous? Smoked paprika will give it that lovely, smoky flavor.

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that rounds out the goulash beautifully. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them!

• Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential. Start with a little and adjust as needed.

• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese: Because cheese is life! You can mix it up with Monterey Jack or even a pepper jack for a spicy kick.

The Cooking Process Explained

Alright, let’s get cooking. Here’s how we’re transforming these ingredients into a cozy, hearty meal:

1. Heat: Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat.

2. Brown the Beef: Toss in your ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season generously with salt and pepper. Once browned, drain any excess fat—this keeps the dish from getting greasy.

3. Add Veggies: Stir in the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften—about 5 minutes. Then, add that lovely minced garlic and stir for just a minute; you want it fragrant, not burnt!

4. Tomato Magic: Introduce the tomato paste now, cooking it for a couple of minutes. This step intensifies the flavors, so don’t skip it!

5. Add Sauces and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Add the paprika and Italian seasoning, stirring well to combine. Now, bring this pot of deliciousness to a boil.

6. Pasta Time: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the bubbling broth—stay close because we’re covering this and letting it simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender.

7. Cheesy Finish: Once the macaroni is perfectly cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into creamy perfection. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so it thickens a bit before serving.

Best Way to Enjoy It

When you’re ready to serve, spoon generous portions into bowls—like a big, cuddly hug on a plate! To elevate this dish a bit, consider garnishing with fresh herbs, like parsley or basil. It adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the rich flavors.

Pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread to soak up every last flavorful bite. Trust me, this goulash is so satisfying; it’s a meal by itself, but feel free to experiment with delicious sides!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Now, let’s chat about leftovers, because this dish keeps really well! Store any extra goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.

If you want to freeze some for a rainy day, that’s a great option too! Just be sure to let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can hold up for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned.

Extra Tips and Advice

Here’s where my secrets come into play! For the best flavor, consider toasting the spices in your pot before adding liquids—just a minute or so to awaken the flavors works wonders. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a bay leaf while it simmers for extra depth.

Don’t be afraid to swap out the ground beef for ground sausage or even bulk up the veggies. Peas, corn, or even mushrooms could add a unique flair. Need it gluten-free? Switch the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. It’s all about tailoring it to your life and taste.

Creative Twists

Want to jazz things up? Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or a blend of Italian cheeses for a new flavor profile. For a spicier kick, incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Feeling inspired? Consider a Mexican twist by adding black beans, corn, and taco seasoning instead, topping with avocado and sour cream! The beauty of this recipe is how adaptable it is—get creative based on your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Your Questions Answered

1. What’s the prep time?
   About 10–15 minutes for chopping and gathering. It’s quite forgiving!

2. What can I serve with it?
   A simple salad or garlic bread is perfect!

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Just sub the beef for beans or lentils and use vegetable broth.

4. How do I spice it up?
   Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for heat!

5. Can I freeze this dish?
   Yes! It freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely before storage.

This One-Pot American Goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to gather, share stories, and create lasting memories with family and friends. So, slip into those apron strings, give this recipe a whirl, and let the aroma fill your kitchen! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—don’t forget to share your twists! Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

One-Pot American Goulash

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 50 hrs

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 550

Best Season: all year round

Description

This One-Pot American Goulash is a nostalgic mix of savory beef, sweet peppers, and zesty tomatoes, perfect for a cozy evening.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef (80/20) (Can substitute with ground turkey or quinoa for a vegetarian option.)
• 1 large Onion, diced (Sweet and aromatic base.)
• 1 unit Bell Pepper, diced (Any color bell pepper is fine.)
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced (Adds aromatic flavor.)
• 1 can (15 oz) Tomato sauce (Can use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture.)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes (Consider spicy version with green chilies.)
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste (Intensifies the flavor.)
• 2 cups Beef broth (Vegetable broth for meatless version.)
• 2 cups Elbow macaroni, uncooked (Substitute with shells or small penne if desired.)
• 2 tsp Paprika (Smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Fresh herbs can be used.)
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for different flavors.)
• Salt and pepper to taste (Essential for seasoning.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Heat

   Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat.
   Mark as complete

2. Brown the Beef

   Toss in ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper and drain excess fat.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Veggies

   Stir in diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for a minute.
   Mark as complete

4. Tomato Magic

   Add tomato paste and cook for a couple of minutes to enhance the flavors.
   Mark as complete

5. Add Sauces and Broth

   Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
   Mark as complete

6. Pasta Time

   Add uncooked elbow macaroni and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
   Mark as complete

7. Cheesy Finish

   Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 550kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 31g48%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 850mg25%

Total Carbohydrate 44g15%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 5g

Protein 30g60%

---

Vitamin A 15 IU

Vitamin C 35 mg

Calcium 25 mg

Iron 15 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.5 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 40 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 6 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0.2 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish can also be frozen for about 2-3 months.

Keywords: American goulash, comfort food, one-pot meal, family recipe