Classic One-Pot American Goulash

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Few meals hit the comfort food mark quite like Classic One-Pot American Goulash. This hearty, beefy, tomato-rich dish is a nostalgic staple in many American homes, known for its simple ingredients and soul-warming flavor. With tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a seasoned tomato sauce all cooked in one pot, cleanup is as easy as the cooking itself.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a meal that reheats like a dream, American Goulash delivers every time. It’s quick enough for weeknights, cozy enough for weekends, and satisfying enough to please even the pickiest eaters.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Traditionally, elbow macaroni is the go-to pasta for American Goulash. Its small, curved shape captures the meaty sauce beautifully in each bite. However, if you’re in a pinch, other short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells can work just as well. Just remember to adjust the cook time slightly depending on the pasta shape.

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Ingredients for the Classic One-Pot American Goulash

Ground beef – The star of the dish, providing a rich, meaty base and flavor.

Yellow onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the goulash with a savory punch.

Diced tomatoes – Gives the sauce its chunky texture and tangy balance.

Tomato sauce – Helps create that classic, thick tomato base.

Beef broth – Enhances the richness and allows the pasta to cook directly in the sauce.

Elbow macaroni – Absorbs all the delicious flavor as it simmers with the beef and sauce.

Bay leaves – Adds a gentle aromatic layer to round out the flavor.

Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the dish warmth and depth.

Salt and pepper – Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.

Cheddar cheese (optional) – Stirred in or sprinkled on top, it adds a creamy, indulgent finish.

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How To Make the Classic One-Pot American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth

Add the beef broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a light boil.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese (Optional)

Remove bay leaves. If using cheese, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or sprinkle some on top before serving.

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Serving and Storing This Goulash

Serve your Classic American Goulash hot, straight from the pot, with a garnish of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese. It pairs well with a crusty bread roll or a crisp green salad for balance.

Leftovers keep beautifully! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to refresh the texture. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months—just be sure to cool it completely before freezing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce while simmering the sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute with chicken broth or even water in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly less rich.

Is this goulash gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free pasta and check that all your other ingredients (like broth and seasonings) are certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can be sautéed with the onions and garlic for a veggie boost.

How do I avoid mushy pasta?

Don’t overcook it. Keep an eye on the pasta in the final stage and stir occasionally to avoid sticking or over-softening.

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Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Classic One-Pot American Goulash, you’ll definitely want to try these cozy favorites next:

• One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
• Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
• Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes
• Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

For more easy dinner inspiration and family-favorite classics, visit my Pinterest board: Life with Jam on Pinterest

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in extra veggies? Try a spicier version? Or maybe you made it extra cheesy?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Ask away if you have questions—let’s make dinner easy and fun together!

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