Description
Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with this Classic One-Pot American Goulash. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce—all in a single pot. Topped with melty cheddar cheese, it’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re after a quick dinner idea, a cozy meal prep recipe, or delicious food ideas that please a crowd, this easy recipe delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Add diced onion and garlic to the beef and cook until softened.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Optional: sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover, and let melt for 2-3 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes after cooking for better sauce absorption.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: easy dinner, comfort food, one pot recipe, ground beef goulash, weeknight dinner