American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe)

American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, and hearty macaroni in one simple, satisfying dish. With just one pot and basic pantry staples, this classic American favorite comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you’re new to cooking or just need something quick and foolproof, this American Goulash recipe delivers bold flavor and homestyle nostalgia in every bite.

Why You’ll Love American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe)

American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With minimal prep and only one pot to clean, it’s a favorite for busy weeknights and laid-back weekends alike. This version is rich in flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of ground beef, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings, all simmered together with elbow macaroni until perfectly tender. It’s comforting, cost-effective, and consistently satisfying—a true American classic that never disappoints.

• One-Pot Wonder: No juggling multiple pans—everything cooks together for easy prep and cleanup.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild, savory, and familiar enough for even picky eaters to enjoy.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and pasta for a balanced, belly-warming meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes generous servings and stores well for leftovers all week.

Ingredients for American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe)

The beauty of American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the bold, hearty character that makes this dish such a beloved staple in American kitchens. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this comforting meal together in just one pot.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef – For a rich, meaty base that’s both flavorful and satisfying
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth
• 1 green bell pepper – Provides color and a mild earthy flavor
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped – Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth

Liquid & Tomatoes:

• 3 cups water (or substitute with two cans of beef broth for added flavor)
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce – Forms the thick, savory base
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes – Adds texture and juicy tomato flavor

Seasoning & Pasta:

• 2 tablespoons dried Italian herb seasoning – A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme for balanced seasoning
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt – Enhances the flavor and brings it all together
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked) – The signature pasta that soaks up all the delicious juices as it cooks

This ingredient list is what makes American Goulash such a practical and delicious go-to. It’s easy to shop for, affordable, and most items may already be in your pantry.

How to Make American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe)

Making American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) is wonderfully straightforward, making it a lifesaver on hectic evenings. Everything comes together in a single pot—no fuss, no fancy techniques, just a comforting, hearty meal with incredible flavor. Here’s how to make it:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef and Aromatics
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

2. Build the Base
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and water (or beef broth for more richness). Stir to combine. Add the Italian seasoning and seasoned salt. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

3. Simmer with Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.

4. Taste and Adjust
Once the pasta is cooked through and the mixture is thick and hearty, give it a taste. Adjust seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.

5. Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately. This American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) is especially good with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a slice of crusty bread on the side.

This dish is ideal for batch cooking, freezing, or enjoying as leftovers—it only gets better the next day.

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Tips for Success

Here are key tips to ensure your American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) turns out flavorful, hearty, and perfectly textured every time:

• Brown the meat thoroughly
  Fully caramelizing the ground beef adds rich, deep flavor that forms the foundation of this dish.
• Choose broth over water when possible
  Using beef broth instead of water enhances the overall savory depth of your American Goulash.
• Stir the pasta as it cooks
  Stirring prevents the elbow macaroni from clumping or sticking to the pot, ensuring even cooking.
• Let the dish rest before serving
  After cooking, allow the goulash to sit for 5–10 minutes. This gives the pasta time to absorb more sauce and allows flavors to fully develop.

Equipment Needed American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe)

To make this comforting American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) as simple and efficient as possible, you only need a few basic kitchen tools. Keeping it minimal is part of what makes this recipe so appealing.

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
  Essential for browning meat and simmering everything evenly in one vessel.
• Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
  Perfect for stirring the ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Sharp knife and cutting board
  For chopping the onion, garlic, and bell pepper with ease and precision.
• Measuring cups and spoons
  To ensure your seasoning and liquid ratios are balanced and consistent.

Variations American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe)

One of the greatest things about American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) is how endlessly adaptable it is. Whether you’re cooking for dietary needs, taste preferences, or just cleaning out the fridge, there’s room to make it your own while still preserving that nostalgic, hearty feel.

• Cheesy Goulash
  Stir in 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese at the end for a rich, melty finish.
• Turkey or Chicken Swap
  Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take on this American Goulash classic.
• Add Vegetables
  Bulk up the nutrition by adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach during the simmering step.
• Spicy Kick
  Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Serving Suggestions American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe)

American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) is a filling and flavorful dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides that round out the meal without competing for attention. Whether you’re serving it to family or guests, these ideas will help you build a balanced, satisfying table.

• Crusty Garlic Bread
  A warm slice of garlic bread or a buttered dinner roll is perfect for soaking up the savory tomato sauce.
• Green Salad
  A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and a bit of crunch to contrast the tender pasta and beef.
• Roasted Vegetables
  Try serving it alongside roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for an extra serving of veggies.
• Pickles or Coleslaw
  The tanginess of pickles or creamy coleslaw cuts through the richness of this hearty American Goulash recipe.

These sides make this Easy One Pot American Goulash even more inviting—ideal for cozy family dinners or laid-back weekend gatherings.

FAQs American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe)

Q1: Can I make American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. You can prepare it up to two days in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q2: Can I freeze American Goulash?
Absolutely. Let the goulash cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q3: What’s the best pasta for this American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe)?
Elbow macaroni is traditional and holds up well, but you can substitute with shells or rotini if needed. Just be sure to adjust the cook time accordingly.

Q4: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute with about 6 cups of peeled and chopped fresh tomatoes. Simmer a bit longer to allow the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken.

Final Thoughts

American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe) brings hearty comfort to the table with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or nostalgic family dinners. The combination of tender beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce delivers everything you love about a homestyle meal—all in one pot. Whether you’re new to goulash or it’s a beloved staple in your home, this version is sure to win you over with its simplicity and flavor.

More Bibodo Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed the heartiness and ease of this American Goulash (Easy One Pot Recipe), here are five more Bibodo favorites that bring bold flavors and comforting textures to your table:

• Love goulash but want a plant-based twist? Don’t miss our satisfying Vegan Goulash American Style—a rich, flavorful meatless version that’s just as comforting.
• For a Southern dessert pairing, try this buttery Skillet Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler. It’s a warm, gooey finish that complements the savory main dish perfectly.
• Want a cheesy, shareable appetizer to kick things off? Dive into the ultimate game-day snack with Cheesy Texas Trash Dip.
• Craving another family-friendly pasta dinner? The Beef and Zucchini Noodle Lasagna delivers hearty layers without the heaviness of traditional lasagna.
• Finish your meal with an indulgent, nostalgic treat like our crowd-favorite Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies, bursting with real fruit and creamy filling.