Homestyle One-Pan American Goulash

Recipe Overview

Why You’ll Love It: This classic one-pan American goulash is hearty, comforting, and made with everyday ingredients. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner — family-friendly, budget-conscious, and loaded with flavor.

There’s something special about digging into a steaming pot of American goulash. It’s cozy, filling, and incredibly satisfying — especially when you’re cooking on a budget or craving something familiar. This version of goulash uses simple pantry staples and delivers big on flavor without any fuss. With ground beef, elbow macaroni, and rich tomato sauce, this meal strikes that perfect balance between nostalgic and practical.

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Goulash has been a staple in American kitchens for generations, often appearing as a weekly dinner in many households. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — it’s easy to throw together, yet filling and delicious. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stretch a pound of ground meat into multiple satisfying portions.

Whether you’re feeding a family or just planning ahead for the week, this dish checks all the boxes: quick, economical, and crowd-pleasing. With just one pan and 45 minutes, you’re on your way to a warm and nourishing dinner.

About This Goulash Recipe

One of the best things about this American goulash is that you cook the pasta right in the sauce. No need to boil it separately — everything happens in one pot. This saves time and dishes, but also creates a uniquely silky sauce thanks to the starch released by the pasta as it cooks.

Because the pasta absorbs the cooking liquid, you’ll add broth directly to the pot to make sure everything stays moist. Don’t worry — the final result isn’t watery. The pasta soaks up the broth, becoming tender while thickening the tomato-based sauce naturally.

Looking for more easy ground beef dinners? Try classic dishes like homemade sloppy joes, cheeseburger macaroni, or a simple beef and vegetable skillet. These quick meals are great for busy nights when you don’t want to sacrifice comfort for convenience.

What You’ll Need

• Lean Ground Beef (or Turkey): The classic choice is beef for maximum flavor, but turkey works beautifully if you’re looking for a lighter option.
• Yellow Onion: A basic onion provides plenty of flavor and blends nicely into the sauce.
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds a slight bite and fresh flavor. You can substitute red bell pepper for a sweeter taste.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for building flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too.
• Paprika: This mild, sweet spice is one of the signature flavors in goulash. It also adds a warm red color.
• Elbow Macaroni: The traditional pasta choice here, but any short pasta will do.
• Canned Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Together, they give this dish its hearty sauce base.
• Beef Broth: Adds depth, but use low-sodium broth to keep the salt level in check.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A savory addition that brings out the umami in the meat.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, hearty aroma while simmering; don’t forget to remove it before serving.
• Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley brighten up this otherwise savory dish.

How to Make American Goulash

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, chop the onions and bell pepper, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices and pasta. Open your cans of tomatoes and sauce so everything is ready to go. A little prep makes the whole process smoother.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Vegetables

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and pepper. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook until the meat is browned and the vegetables are soft, breaking the meat into small pieces as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic and paprika, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. This step deepens the flavor of the goulash and makes the kitchen smell amazing.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Stock, and Seasonings

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and broth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Mix everything together well.

Step 5: Stir in the Pasta

Add the dry elbow macaroni directly to the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover.

Step 6: Simmer

Let the goulash simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the pasta starts to stick or the liquid level gets too low, add a splash more broth. You want the pasta to be just tender.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

When the pasta is cooked through, turn off the heat and let the dish sit, covered, for a few minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and meld with the pasta. Remove the bay leaf, then top with shredded cheddar and parsley if desired.

Serve hot, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort.

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FAQs

What’s the difference between American and Hungarian goulash?
Hungarian goulash is more like a stew, made with chunks of beef, lots of paprika, and no pasta. It’s simmered for a long time until tender. American goulash, on the other hand, uses ground beef and macaroni, and is quicker to make.

What goes well with American goulash?
Serve this dish with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A simple cucumber salad or homemade roll rounds out the meal well.

Make It Your Own

• Try Different Meats: Ground pork or chicken also work well in this recipe.
• Make it Vegetarian: Replace the meat with beans or plant-based crumbles.
• Use Other Pasta: Cavatappi, rotini, or small shells can replace elbow macaroni.
• Add Veggies: Corn, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach blend right in.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Storage & Reheating

This dish is excellent for meal prep.

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying.

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