One Pot Goulash Recipe

Closeup on a bowl of goulash with shredded cheddar cheese.

5 from 1 vote

One Pot Goulash is the ultimate cozy, weeknight comfort - tender pasta, savory beef, and a rich tomato base all simmered together in a single pot. It’s hearty, budget‑friendly, and perfect for nights when you want big flavor with minimal cleanup.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword one pot goulash recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings servings

Calories 649kcal

Author Sue Ringsdorf

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion - chopped
2 pounds ground beef
3 cloves garlic - minced
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
24 oz. lower-sodium beef broth - or more
2 Tablespoons tomato paste
30 oz. tomato sauce
30 oz. fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
12 oz. elbow macaroni
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cook beef. In a large stock pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil. When hot, add the ground beef and onions. Crumble beef, stirring frequently, until it’s cooked through. Drain off excess fat, if desired.
Add garlic and seasonings. Add garlic and seasonings (chili powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper) and stir for another minute.
Add liquids and seasonings. Pour in the beef broth, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, and let simmer for 10 minutes or so.
Add pasta. Then add the elbow macaroni to the pot, stir, and cook until al dente – about 6-7 minutes or so. Don’t over-cook!
Add cheese. Add the cheese to the goulash and stir well to melt. Remove from heat.
Serve. Serve goulash with extra cheese, if desired.

Notes

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. Microwave to reheat.
I don’t recommend freezing this goulash as the pasta will get mushy.
You can prep this ahead up to step three (before adding pasta). Let mixture cool slightly, refrigerate, and then reheat on stove before adding the pasta and finishing the recipe.

Nutrition