Introduction
Is there anything more grounding than the rhythmic sizzle of meat meeting a hot pan while the rain patterns against the windowpane here in Bend? This One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash is more than just a meal to me. It is a time machine. The smell of paprika and onions always pulls me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would stand over a heavy pot, stirring with a wooden spoon that seemed to hold all the secrets of the world. Today, as I watch Ethan help the kids set the table, I realize that this easy one pot ground beef goulash recipe has become our own family anchor. It is the dish I turn to when the day has been long and we need something more than just calories. We need comfort. This hearty one pot beef goulash dinner is exactly that, a warm hug in a bowl that proves you do not need a dozen pans to create something truly soulful.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash
- Ingredients for One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash
- How to Make One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash
- Pro Tips & Variations
- One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash Serving Suggestions
- One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash
Life moves fast, and often, our kitchens become the casualty of a busy schedule. That is why I adore this stovetop beef goulash one pot method. It respects your time and your energy. Unlike american goulash recipes that require boiling pasta separately, this version allows the macaroni to soak up all the beefy, tomato rich liquor directly in the pot. If you have enjoyed my cheesy ground beef and pasta skillet dinner, you will find this to be a beautiful, nostalgically tomato forward cousin to that dish. Here is why it remains a staple in the Motter Wallace household:
- Minimal Cleanup: Only one pot means more time for evening stories with the kids and less time scrubbing the sink.
- Budget Friendly: It uses humble ground beef and pantry staples like elbow macaroni and tomato sauce to create a feast.
- Deep Flavor: By simmering the pasta in the sauce, every bite is infused with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Kid Approved: There is a gentle sweetness to the tomatoes and a familiar comfort in the noodles that makes it a winner for even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients for One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash
When I develop recipes for MisterRecipes, I always look for ingredients that serve a purpose. For this quick one pot goulash with ground beef, we focus on whole, impactful flavors. If you find yourself missing an ingredient, don’t worry. This recipe is forgiving. For a lighter touch, much like my 5 ingredient ground beef and potatoes, simplicity is the key.
- Ground Beef: I prefer a lean 80/20 mix to keep the flavor rich but not overly greasy.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for one pot pasta goulash.
- Aromatics: One yellow onion and several cloves of fresh garlic.
- Tomato Base: A combination of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes provides both silkiness and texture.
- Liquid Gold: Beef broth acts as the cooking medium for the pasta.
- The Pantry Powerhouse: Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and plenty of paprika.
- The Finish: A handful of sharp cheddar cheese stirred in at the end provides that creamy, decadent finish.
How to Make One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large Dutch oven or a deep skillet, brown your ground beef over medium high heat. Listen for that aggressive sizzle. That is the sound of flavor developing. Break it apart with your spoon into small, craggy bits.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Once the beef is nearly cooked through, toss in your diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until the onions are translucent and have absorbed some of the beef fat. Add the minced garlic last, stirring for only a minute until the kitchen smells like a dream.
- Season with Intention: Sprinkle in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toasting the spices for thirty seconds before adding liquids awakens the oils in the dried herbs.
- Low and Slow Liquids: Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. This is where the beef goulash recipe transforms from a simple skip in the pan to a deep, complex sauce.
- The Pasta Magic: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up and let the magic happen.
- Simmer to Perfection: Let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. You will know it is ready when the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich, velvety coating. If you want something even faster next time, try my one pot chili mac and cheese recipe.
- The Final Flourish: Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese. Watch it melt into the crevices of the macaroni. Taste it. Adjust the salt. Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes feel too acidic.
Pro Tips & Variations
The beauty of the kitchen is that it is a lab for your own creativity. For those following a low carb lifestyle, you can easily pivot to a keto one pot goulash by swapping the macaroni for riced cauliflower or extra bell peppers. If you are in a rush, an instant pot ground beef goulash version works beautifully by pressure cooking the mix for only 4 minutes. Just like the classic recipes found on Delish, you can customize this to your heart’s content. If you want to lean into a more veggie forward profile, much like my best veggie loaded ground beef chili, try adding corn or green beans during the simmering stage. Using ground turkey instead of beef is another excellent way to reduce fat without sacrificing the soul of the dish.
One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash Serving Suggestions
While this One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash is a complete meal on its own, I love a little contrast on the plate. A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the ground beef and cheese perfectly. For something more indulgent, a thick slice of crusty bread is essential for mopping up every last drop of the tomato sauce. If you are feeling nostalgic for a full spread, consider pairing this with a side of roasted vegetables or even some light garlic knots. The goal is balance. A heavy, warm bowl of pasta deserves a bright, fresh companion.
One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash Storage & Reheating
Goulash is one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better the next day. The flavors meld and deepen in the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, the pasta tends to absorb more liquid, so I recommend adding a splash of beef broth or water before popping it into the microwave or back on the stovetop. This ensures the sauce stays creamy rather than becoming a block. This dish also freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep candidate for those particularly frantic weeks.
FAQ about One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Absolutely. Brown the beef and onions first, then toss everything except the pasta into the slow cooker for 6 hours on low. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t get mushy.
What is the difference between American and Hungarian goulash? While moms classic beef goulash usually refers to this tomato and macaroni style dish, authentic Hungarian goulash is more of a soup or stew made with beef chunks and heavy amounts of paprika, often served over egg noodles rather than mixed in.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy? The key is to stop the cooking process once the noodles are al dente. They will continue to soften slightly as the dish sits in the residual heat of the pot.
Final Thoughts
As the steam rises from the pot and the family gathers around, I am reminded that the best things in life are often the simplest. This One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash isn’t about culinary perfection or complex techniques. It is about the comfort of a shared meal and the quiet gratitude for a full pantry. In our cottage in Bend, food is the language we use to say I love you. I hope this recipe brings that same warmth to your table. If you make it, please leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. I would love to see how you make this your own. Until next time, keep finding the heart in your kitchen.
One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon into small, craggy bits.
- Once the beef is nearly cooked through, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until the onions are translucent and have absorbed some of the beef fat. Add the minced garlic last, stirring for only a minute until the kitchen smells like a dream.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices for thirty seconds before adding liquids.
- Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. This is where the beef goulash recipe transforms from a simple skip in the pan to a deep, complex sauce.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it up and let the magic happen.
- Let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. You will know it is ready when the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened into a rich, velvety coating.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese. Watch it melt into the crevices of the macaroni. Taste it. Adjust the salt. Add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes feel too acidic.
