One-Pot Goulash Recipe

Some days, all you want is a big comforting bowl of something warm and hearty without piling up a mountain of dishes. Sound familiar?

Grab a spoon and your favorite pot because this One Pot Goulash Recipe checks every box. It’s beefy, saucy, a little nostalgic, and super easy to make. You don’t need to be a kitchen genius to pull it off.

I’ve been making this beauty for years. It started as a college survival meal and somehow turned into one of my go to “I need food now” dinners.

Why Goulash Is The Ultimate Comfort Food

Let’s be honest. There’s something about goulash that just hugs your insides. It’s part pasta, part meat sauce, and somehow better than both. Make sense? Not really. But taste it and you’ll get it.

And unlike most things in life, goulash actually gets better as leftovers. Make it today, eat it for lunch tomorrow, and act like you cooked again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Basic Pantry Friendly Items

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded cheese and fresh parsley for garnish

Pretty simple, right? If you’ve got these on hand, you’re halfway there.

How To Make One Pot Goulash

Step 1

Heat your oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and cook until they soften. Add the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until it loses all its pink color, stirring and breaking it up as you go.

Step 2

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spices depending on your mood. Want some heat? Add a splash of hot sauce.

Step 3

Once everything starts simmering, drop in your macaroni. Give it a good stir. Turn down the heat, put a lid on the pot, and let it simmer for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks.

Step 4

When the pasta is tender, mix everything well. Taste and see if you need more seasoning. If you like it more saucy, add a bit of broth or extra tomato sauce.

Step 5

Dish it out hot. Sprinkle cheese on top if you like. Add chopped parsley if you want to feel fancy, but no worries if you skip it. It’s goulash, not a runway dish.

Tips To Make It Your Own

Want It Creamier?

Stir in a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese before serving. It completely changes the vibe in the best way.

Need It Gluten Free?

Use your favorite gluten free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time because gluten free pasta can overcook easily.

Want It Spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos. Goulash with a kick? Absolutely.

Why One Pot Meals Rule

Let’s be real. One pot meals are the champions of weeknight dinners. Less cooking mess. Less cleaning. Faster to eat. What’s not to love?

And if you have picky eaters around, goulash is forgiving. Don’t like onions? Skip them. Prefer turkey instead of beef? Go for it. This recipe doesn’t judge.

How To Store Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it.

You can freeze it too, but the pasta might soften a bit. Still delicious though.

Serving Suggestions

Goulash stands perfectly on its own, but if you want to go all in, try these:

• Garlic bread for the ultimate comfort combo
• Simple salad to keep it balanced
• Pickles or sauerkraut for a tangy twist

Common Goulash Questions

Is Goulash Just Fancy Hamburger Helper?

Kind of, but homemade goulash tastes fresher and has no weird powdered sauce. Plus, it impresses guests a lot more.

Can I Make This In A Slow Cooker?

Sure, but why wait? You can whip this up on the stove in about 30 minutes and skip the long wait.

Where Did Goulash Come From?

Traditional goulash comes from Hungary and is more like a rich beef stew. This is the American version with pasta and quicker cooking. Purists might roll their eyes, but your stomach won’t care.

Final Thoughts Make This One Pot Goulash Tonight

If you’re craving something that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl, make this One Pot Goulash Recipe. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you’d rather relax than scrub dishes.

Grab your pot and start cooking. Mess up a little? That’s just part of the fun.

Looking for more quick and tasty dinner ideas? Check out Easy Pasta Recipes for more inspo.