Description
Looking for a comforting, one-pot dinner idea that’s ready in under an hour? American Goulash is a hearty, family-friendly classic loaded with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce that’s simmered to perfection. This easy recipe is ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re browsing for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes, or classic comfort food, this American Goulash checks every box — a budget-friendly, satisfying meal full of flavor and nostalgia.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
30 ounces tomato sauce
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
2 bay leaves
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and basil. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste.
4. Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine. Add bay leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 15–20 minutes.
5. Stir in elbow macaroni. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove bay leaves. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan.
Notes
Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — the flavors deepen and the sauce thickens.
If the pasta absorbs too much liquid during cooking, add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
Great for batch cooking — divide into containers and freeze for ready-to-eat meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy dinner, one pot pasta, ground beef recipe, American goulash, comfort food, family meal