Description
Classic One-Pot American Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish made with tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup and maximum flavor—topped with melty cheddar cheese for that extra cozy touch.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 ½ cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add elbow macaroni, ensuring it is submerged. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve hot, optionally garnished with parsley or more cheese.
Notes
Use 85/15 ground beef for best flavor and texture.
To avoid soggy pasta, don’t overcook once the macaroni is tender.
For a thinner sauce, add extra beef broth after cooking and stir in before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: one pot, comfort food, pasta dinner, cheesy goulash