Name: Only Goulash You'll Ever Need
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Comfort food doesn’t get more nostalgic than a big, hearty bowl of American goulash. This one-pot wonder brings tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a richly spiced tomato sauce together in a dish that warms both stomach and soul. It’s the kind of recipe that makes weeknights easy and leftovers welcome.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers big flavor with pantry-staple ingredients. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—you can make it spicier, cheesier, or veggie-packed depending on what you have on hand. That’s the beauty of this classic: it’s simple, satisfying, and always adaptable.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for American goulash—its compact shape and ridges cling beautifully to the sauce. But if you’re in a pinch, other short pasta like cavatappi, penne, or rotini can work just as well. The key is to use a shape that holds up to simmering and absorbs flavor without getting mushy.

Ingredients for the Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need

Ground Beef
The foundation of the dish. Choose lean ground beef to minimize excess grease, or use a mix of beef and pork for extra richness.

Elbow Macaroni
Classic, sturdy, and ideal for soaking up all that savory sauce. Cook it al dente for best results.

Onion and Garlic
Aromatics that deepen the flavor base. Freshly minced garlic and chopped onions are key to that homemade taste.

Tomato Sauce + Diced Tomatoes
These form the rich tomato base. Use good quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.

Beef Broth
Adds depth and a subtle umami note. This is what takes the sauce from flat to full-bodied.

Worcestershire Sauce
A dash of this boosts the savory profile with a bit of tang and spice.

Bay Leaf and Italian Seasoning
The subtle spice notes that round out the flavor. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving.

Salt, Pepper, and Optional Crushed Red Pepper
Season to taste, with a little heat if desired.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Brightens the final dish and adds a pop of color.

How To Make the Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer to Deepen Flavor

Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot. Stir to combine, cover, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t clump.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of freshness. Optional: sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese for a melty finish.

How to Serve and Store the Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need

Goulash is best served piping hot, right from the pot. Scoop generous portions into bowls and pair it with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. For an extra indulgent touch, top it with shredded cheddar, sour cream, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Got leftovers? This dish stores like a dream. Transfer cooled goulash into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months—perfect for busy nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different meat?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken work great as lighter alternatives. You can also mix ground sausage with beef for extra flavor.

What if I already cooked my pasta?

If your pasta is pre-cooked, stir it in at the end just to warm through. Reduce the broth slightly so the sauce isn’t too watery.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

How do I prevent mushy pasta in leftovers?

To avoid overcooked pasta, undercook it slightly when making the dish. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it saucy without further softening the noodles.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently! But if you like a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or drizzle with hot sauce when serving.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or zucchini can all be added during the simmering step for a nutritious boost.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this rich, savory goulash, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy favorites from Life with Jam:

One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a cheesy, garlicky dream you can make in under 30 minutes.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is loaded with baked cheese and hearty flavor.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli hits every note: creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef takes pasta night to new levels.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole gives you all the layers of comfort in one bubbling bake.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam on Pinterest.

And if you give it a try, drop a comment below! Did you make it spicy? Add cheese? Sneak in some veggies?

I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Your feedback makes our kitchen community even better.

Only Goulash You’ll Ever Need

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty, one-pot American goulash blends tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce into the ultimate comfort dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a simple yet flavorful classic that’s endlessly customizable.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.

2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if using. Stir well.

5. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.

7. Add elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Stir frequently.

8. Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning to taste.

9. Serve hot, garnished with parsley. Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.