One Pot American Goulash

This One Pot American Goulash is a classic comfort food dinner made with ground beef, macaroni noodles, vegetables, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Everything cooks together in one pot, creating a hearty meal with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.

Unlike traditional layered pasta dishes, this American-style goulash combines the noodles, meat, and sauce in one skillet so the macaroni absorbs the savory tomato flavors while cooking. Ready in about 30 minutes, it is a practical choice for busy weeknight dinners and family meals.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: Not provided

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one pot goulash is an easy and satisfying family dinner.

Everything cooks together in one pot for simple cleanup.

Macaroni noodles absorb the seasoned tomato sauce while cooking.

Ground beef creates a hearty and flavorful base.

The recipe uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients.

The cheesy topping adds a creamy finish to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the American Goulash

1 tablespoon oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 pound lean ground beef

1 tablespoon tomato paste

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

3/4 teaspoon salt, reduce if using salted broth

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

2 cups tomato sauce or marinara

398 ml diced tomatoes (14 oz can), no salt added

2 1/2 cups low sodium beef, chicken, or vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or another cheese

Easy Substitutions

Ground Beef

Ground beef can be replaced with ground turkey, pork, or chicken.

Pasta

Macaroni noodles can be replaced with other small pasta shapes. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta used.

Broth

Beef, chicken, or vegetable broth can be used depending on the flavor you prefer.

Cheese

Mozzarella provides a mild cheesy finish, but other shredded cheeses can also be used.

How to Make One Pot American Goulash

Step 1: Cook the Vegetables and Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add onion and green bell pepper.

Cook for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Add ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned.

If there is excess grease in the pan, remove it before continuing.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Add tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and paprika.

Cook for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and the seasonings blend into the meat mixture.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth.

Stir everything together.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Stir in dry macaroni noodles.

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Serve

Stir in shredded cheese.

Allow it to melt into the warm pasta.

Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best American Goulash

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the finished dish.

Stir frequently while the macaroni cooks because the pasta absorbs liquid directly from the sauce.

Adjust salt depending on whether your broth and tomato products contain added sodium.

Allow the cheese to melt fully before serving.

Add extra vegetables for more texture and flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Stirring the Pasta

Macaroni cooked directly in sauce can stick, so regular stirring helps prevent uneven cooking.

Adding Too Much Liquid

The pasta absorbs the sauce while cooking, so avoid adding extra liquid unless needed.

Overcooking the Macaroni

Cook until just tender to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft.

Using High Heat After Adding Pasta

Lower heat helps the noodles cook evenly without drying out the sauce.

Variations

Vegetable Goulash

Add corn, peas, carrots, celery, green beans, or spinach for extra vegetables.

Turkey Goulash

Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.

Spicy Goulash

Increase red pepper flakes or add a spicy sauce for extra heat.

Different Pasta Goulash

Use any small pasta shape instead of macaroni.

What to Serve With American Goulash

This goulash pairs well with:

Garlic bread

Green salad

Roasted vegetables

Steamed broccoli

Fresh herbs

A simple side salad can add freshness to this hearty meal.

How to Store One Pot American Goulash

Storage instructions were not provided with the original recipe information.

For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container and follow standard food storage practices.

How to Reheat American Goulash

If the goulash becomes too thick after sitting, add a small amount of broth, water, or milk before reheating.

Warm gently until heated through.

How to Freeze American Goulash

Freezing instructions were not provided.

If freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Make Ahead

The recipe does not include specific make-ahead instructions.

The dish can be prepared ahead and reheated when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American goulash?

American goulash is a one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, macaroni noodles, vegetables, and tomato-based sauce.

Is American goulash the same as Hungarian goulash?

No. American goulash is a pasta-based comfort food dish, while Hungarian goulash is traditionally a stew-style dish.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes. Small pasta shapes can replace macaroni noodles.

Can I make goulash without meat?

Yes. Replace the meat with extra vegetables or plant-based alternatives.

Why is my goulash thick after cooking?

The pasta continues absorbing liquid after cooking. Add broth, water, or milk when reheating to adjust the consistency.