One Pot American Goulash

Name: One Pot American Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ yellow onion (diced); 1 bell pepper (diced); 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes (drained); 24 ounce jar pasta sauce; 2 cups elbow pasta; 3 cups beef broth; 1 cup cheddar cheese

Posted on February 17, 2026

Main Dishes

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This One Pot American Goulash is a delightful and convenient meal that brings comfort food to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines hearty ground beef, tender elbow pasta, and a rich tomato sauce—all cooked in one pot! Its versatility makes it suitable for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week ahead. With its robust flavors and easy cleanup, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients, it’s easy on your wallet while still being satisfying.
One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy the convenience of cooking everything in one pot—less mess and easier cleanup!
Flavorful Comfort Food: The blend of spices and rich tomato sauce creates a nostalgic flavor that everyone will love.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or switch up the seasonings to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the essential tools you’ll need for this recipe. Having everything ready will streamline your process and make cooking more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Stirring spoon

Why These Tools Matter

Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to cook all the ingredients together without overcrowding.
Cutting board & Chef’s knife: Essential for chopping onions and bell peppers efficiently.
Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning, which is key to achieving the right flavor balance.

Ingredients

This one pot American goulash is an easy, budget-friendly dinner made with ground beef, elbow pasta, and a rich tomato sauce—all cooked in one pot for quick cleanup.

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ yellow onion (diced)
– 1 bell pepper (diced)
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
– 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
– 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
– 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
– 15 ounces Petite Diced Tomatoes (Drained)
– 24 ounce jar Pasta Sauce
– 2 cups elbow pasta
– 3 cups Beef Broth
– 1 cup Cheddar Cheese

How to Make One Pot American Goulash

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil along with the diced onions and bell pepper. Cook these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they soften.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add in the ground beef to the pot. Cook until there’s no pink left. Incorporate minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Drain excess grease from the mixture.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Add seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, elbow pasta, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well-mixed. Bring this mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

Allow it to cook for about 20 minutes while stirring occasionally until the pasta is soft. Top with cheddar cheese before serving. Enjoy your delicious one pot American goulash!

How to Serve One Pot American Goulash

Serving One Pot American Goulash is simple and allows for plenty of creativity. This hearty dish can be enjoyed in various ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some ideas to elevate your goulash experience.

With Cheese

Top with Cheddar: Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving for a creamy, delicious finish.
Add Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with the tomato sauce.

Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.
Basil Leaves: Add torn basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the Italian seasoning.

Crunchy Toppings

Crushed Tortilla Chips: For a fun crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before serving.
Fried Onions: Crispy fried onions can add texture and flavor, making each bite more exciting.

How to Perfect One Pot American Goulash

To make the best One Pot American Goulash, consider these helpful tips that will enhance the dish and ensure a flavorful outcome.

Bold Flavor Boost: Use fresh garlic instead of minced for a stronger taste.
Customize Your Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer leaner options.
Season Your Broth: Enhance your beef broth with bay leaves or additional herbs while cooking for more depth.
Pasta Perfection: Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking together.
Thicker Sauce Option: If you like a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered in the last few minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stove for an easy meal later.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot American Goulash

Pairing side dishes with One Pot American Goulash can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some tasty options to consider.

Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for scooping up goulash sauce and adds a delightful crunch.
Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of goulash.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans offer a healthy contrast to the hearty dish.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the warmth of goulash.
Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are deliciously paired with this savory main course.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts add depth and an earthy flavor that works well with goulash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your One Pot American Goulash even better. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

Under-cooking the pasta: Ensure the elbow pasta is cooked until tender. Check the package instructions for timing.
Over-seasoning with salt: Use seasoned salt wisely. Taste as you go to avoid making the dish too salty.
Neglecting to drain excess grease: Always drain the ground beef after cooking. This keeps your goulash from being greasy.
Forgetting to stir occasionally: Stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking throughout the pot.
Using low-quality tomatoes: Opt for high-quality diced tomatoes for a rich flavor. Fresh or canned, quality matters!

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing One Pot American Goulash

Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can last up to 3 months.

Reheating One Pot American Goulash

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One Pot American Goulash?

One Pot American Goulash is a comforting dish made with ground beef, elbow pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce—all cooked together in one pot.

Can I customize my One Pot American Goulash?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms or use different types of cheese based on your preference.

How long does it take to make One Pot American Goulash?

From prep to serving, this hearty meal takes around 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Simply reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

One Pot American Goulash is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to customize according to your taste. With its comforting flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try today and feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or spices for an added twist!