Hearty One-Pot American Goulash

Hearty One-Pot American Goulash

This cozy American Goulash is a satisfying combination of seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup easy while allowing the pasta to absorb all the savory flavors. 

• Prep Time : 15 minutes
• Cook Time : 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time : 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings : 10–12

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds (900 g) lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook until it begins to brown, breaking it into small crumbles. Stir in the onion and continue cooking until softened. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Mix in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, cayenne, and bay leaves.

Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and continue simmering for 18–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender.

Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the chopped parsley and shredded Cheddar cheese until the cheese melts into the sauce.

Let the goulash rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.

Tips

Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth before serving.

Leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have blended.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed.