Effortless & Delicious One-Pot Goulash Recipe

Introduction

If you’re hunting for a hearty meal that’s both easy to make and packed with classic comfort food flavor, this Effortless & Delicious One-Pot Goulash Recipe is your answer. Known for its savory beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce, this recipe brings everything together in a single pot—meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or those nights when you crave something deeply satisfying but need dinner on the table fast.

Why This One-Pot Goulash is a Weeknight Winner

This goulash recipe stands out for its unbeatable simplicity and robust flavor. It combines everyday pantry staples—ground beef, pasta, diced tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings—for a meal that feels homey and tastes like it simmered for hours. The magic happens as the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the savory spices and leaving you with a dish that’s perfectly cohesive and flavorful.

Customize Your Goulash for Extra Flavor

You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your family’s preferences. Add shredded cheese for extra creaminess, throw in bell peppers for a subtle crunch, or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Because everything cooks in one pot, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s much greater than the sum of its parts.

Gather Your Ingredients

Basic pantry ingredients make this goulash approachable for cooks of all skill levels and adaptable for what you have on hand.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly organize your shopping list by store section—making meal prep and grocery trips smoother and stress-free.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break apart with a spoon, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using), and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Add beef broth, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is as submerged as possible.
6. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. If desired, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Goulash Experience

Serve this goulash hot in deep bowls, topped with extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream if you like. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of crusty bread for soaking up the rich tomato sauce. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this recipe great for lunch or another night’s dinner.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe generously serves 6. Per serving (without cheese), expect around 350-400 calories, 22g protein, and a satisfying blend of carbohydrates and fiber—perfect fuel for busy families and hungry appetites.

Effortless & Delicious One-Pot Goulash (Recap)

This one-pot goulash strikes the perfect balance between rich flavor and ease of preparation. It’s filling, deeply savory, and—thanks to the streamlined pot method—clean-up is a breeze. The combination of tender pasta, beef, and comforting spices makes it a hit every time.

Weekly Meal Planning

This goulash is a meal prep superstar—perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe for meal planning and automatically generate smart shopping lists that account for all your weekly recipes.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient quantities across all meals for the week
– Sorts shopping lists by grocery store aisle for efficient trips
– Prevents duplicate purchases and reduces the chance of missing items
– Streamlines the meal prep process, saving you time and energy

Pro tip: When planning multiple meals, schedule your recipes to consolidate items like onions and broth—ensuring accurate quantities and minimizing food waste for a seamless cooking experience.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Create comfort and simplicity in your kitchen with this Effortless & Delicious One-Pot Goulash Recipe—it’s bound to become a staple in your weekly meal plan!