Description

If you’re looking for a quick dinner that satisfies the whole family, this easy goulash recipe is the answer. It’s a one-pot wonder, made with tender elbow macaroni, rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and warming spices — all in under an hour. Ideal for weeknight meals, meal prep, or cozy comfort food cravings, this dish is also packed with flavor and flexibility. Whether you’re after a budget-friendly dinner, simple comfort food, or hearty family favorite, this goulash delivers every time.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

3 cups beef broth

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

2. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil.

4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover again and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.

6. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

If the goulash thickens too much while sitting, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

You can stir in shredded cheddar at the end for a cheesy variation.

For extra flavor, sauté the onion in a bit of butter instead of oil or beef fat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1½ cups)
Calories: 410
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: easy dinner, one pot meal, comfort food, goulash, family meal, quick recipe, pasta dish