Easy One-Pot Goulash Recipes for Busy Weeknights
This classic one-pot American Goulash combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce with hints of paprika, oregano, and basil. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a comforting, budget-friendly meal perfect for the whole family—and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups (480 mL) tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz/410 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, oregano, paprika, and basil; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (with their juices); stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Transfer to bowls or a baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and let stand for 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Prep Tips: Pre-chop veggies and pre-measure spices to speed up cooking.
Spice Variations: Try smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for added heat.
Leftover Magic: Repurpose leftovers as stuffed pepper filling or baked potato topping.
Nutrition Boost: Add spinach or kale at the end for an easy veggie upgrade.
Scaling: Double the batch for a crowd—just grab a bigger Dutch oven.