Description
This hearty one-pot goulash recipe is the ultimate comfort food made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep, this homemade American-style goulash feeds a crowd and is freezer-friendly. A family favorite that brings warmth to the table every time.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
15 ounces tomato sauce
15 ounces diced tomatoes (with juices)
3 cups beef broth
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until mostly cooked.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with juices. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in beef broth, add bay leaf, and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then stir in elbow macaroni.
7. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until pasta is tender.
8. Remove bay leaf and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Aged cheddar or parmesan can be sprinkled on top before serving.
For added veggies, stir in chopped bell peppers or zucchini with the onion.
This goulash freezes beautifully—perfect for batch cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg