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An extreme close-up of American goulash, showing the texture of the ground beef, macaroni, and rich tomato sauce.

Easy Goulash Recipe (The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food)

This Easy Goulash Recipe is the ultimate one-pot comfort food! A classic American Goulash with ground beef, tomato sauce, and tender macaroni cooked together in under an hour. Perfect for a busy weeknight family dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 85/15 or 90/10
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 15 oz canned tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz canned petite diced tomatoes undrained
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional

Equipment

  • 1 Large Dutch Oven or Pot
  • 1 Wooden Spoon

Instructions
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's melted and creamy. Serve hot.

Notes

Tip 1: Don't overcook the pasta! Cook until just al dente as it will continue to soften in the sauce.
Tip 2: Feel free to add extra vegetables like corn or bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor.
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