Easy Goulash: 1-Pot Comfort Food Delight

Oh, you know those nights, right? The ones where the clock is ticking way too fast, the kids are zooming around like tiny hurricanes, and the thought of cooking anything complicated makes you want to just melt into the couch? Yeah, I’ve been there more times than I can count! That’s exactly why this easy goulash recipe ground beef is my absolute go-to. It’s the ultimate comfort food hug in a bowl, and the best part? It all cooks up in just one pot! It reminds me so much of my Grandma Max’s kitchen back in Asheville; the smell alone brings me right back to those cozy, busy evenings when a big pot of something hearty was just what everyone needed.

Why This Easy Goulash Recipe Ground Beef is a Weeknight Winner

Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that screams comfort without screaming “too much work!”, you’ve found it. This easy goulash recipe ground beef is a total weeknight warrior for so many reasons:

• It’s lightning fast! We’re talking a total time of under an hour, so you can get dinner on the table without feeling rushed off your feet.
• Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Yep, it’s a one-pot wonder! Everything cooks together, meaning fewer dishes to wash. Praise hands!
• It’s incredibly simple. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can whip this up. No fancy techniques, just straightforward steps that won’t trip you up.
• Pure comfort food. That rich, savory sauce with tender pasta and hearty beef? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. It’s a true hearty goulash comfort food experience.
• Budget-friendly and family-approved. Ground beef and pasta are usually wallet-friendly staples, making this a fantastic budget friendly ground beef meal. Plus, most kids absolutely gobble it up – it’s a super kid friendly goulash option!

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Goulash

Alright, let’s get down to business and round up everything we need for this amazing one-pot meal. It really is a pretty straightforward list, mostly pantry staples! You’ll want about a tablespoon of olive oil to get things started. Then, grab yourself a pound and a half of good old ground beef – I like to use the 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio; it gives you the best flavor and juiciness, trust me. For that aromatic kick, we’ll need one large onion, just chopped up, and a couple of garlic cloves, minced nice and fine. From the pantry, you’ll need a big 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, a 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, and a 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, don’t drain those! Plus, about 4 cups of beef broth, a couple of tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for that savory depth, a tablespoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. And, of course, our pasta – 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni is my go-to, but feel free to get creative!

Mastering the One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness going! This is where the magic happens, all in one pot. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made goulash this way before. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for busy evenings. Want to see more simple ground beef recipes? You’ve come to the right place!

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

First things first, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven – the one you love most. Pop it on the stove over medium-high heat and let a tablespoon of olive oil get nice and shimmery. Toss in that pound and a half of ground beef. Now, get in there with your spoon and break it all up until it’s nicely browned. You don’t want any pink hiding! Once it’s browned, just tip out any extra grease. Add your chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Let it soften up and get a little translucent, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for just another minute. You’ll smell that soon, it’s heavenly!

Building the Flavor Base

Now we start building that incredible flavor! Pour in your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and those diced tomatoes, juice and all. Next, the beef broth and that little bit of Worcestershire sauce – don’t skip that, it adds a fantastic savory depth. Give everything a good stir and sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture come up to a gentle boil. Once it’s bubbling a bit, turn the heat down to medium-low, pop a lid on it, and let it simmer away for about 15 minutes. This is when all those wonderful flavors start to get to know each other.

My little tip here: If you want to make it a bit spicy, now’s the time to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings!

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

Okay, team, time for the pasta! Stir in those 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure it gets nice and submerged in the saucy goodness. Put the lid back on and let it keep simmering. You’re looking at about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender – you know, al dente, with just a little bite. You’ll also notice that most of the liquid will have been absorbed, making it thick and delicious. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom, especially towards the end. This easy classic goulash is so adaptable!

Insider secret: If you’re using a different pasta shape, just make sure to cook them according to the package directions, or a minute or two less, since they’ll continue to cook in the hot goulash.

Final Touches and Serving

Almost there! Give your goulash a taste. This is your moment to make it perfect for *you*. Does it need a little more salt? A touch more pepper? Go ahead and adjust those seasonings. Once it tastes just right, ladle generous portions into bowls. If you’re feeling fancy (or just want that extra something), top it with some shredded cheddar cheese – it gets all melty and gooey – and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a little pop of color and freshness. It’s that easy!

Tips for the Best American Goulash Recipe Easy

Okay, let’s make this goulash truly shine! Even though it’s super simple, a few little tricks can make all the difference. First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your ground beef. A good 80/20 blend really adds to the richness of the sauce, and fresh beef makes a world of difference. If you’re using a Dutch oven, that’s fantastic – they’re just made for dishes like this and help everything cook so evenly. Just make sure you’re stirring often once the pasta goes in, especially if you’re not using a Dutch oven, to prevent any sticking. For a little extra depth, you can always add a pinch of smoked paprika along with the Italian seasoning; it gives it a lovely smoky note!

Curious about other Dutch oven wonders? You might want to peek at this Dutch oven goulash recipe for more ideas. And if you’re just obsessed with easy American goulash like I am, this american goulash recipe easy guide is also a must-read!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Goulash

So, let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec! The recipe calls for elbow macaroni, but honestly, this easy goulash recipe ground beef is pretty darn flexible. Feel free to swap in rotini, penne, or even shells – whatever you’ve got in the pantry works great! Just try to keep the size somewhat similar so they cook evenly. If you can’t find crushed tomatoes, the regular diced ones work in a pinch, you’ll just get a chunkier sauce. And Worcestershire sauce? It’s amazing, but if you’re out, a splash of soy sauce or even a little balsamic vinegar can give you a similar savory kick. Don’t sweat it too much if you’re missing one thing; this dish is forgiving!

Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Goulash

Got questions about whipping up this comforting dish? I’ve got answers! People always ask me about making it ahead or what to serve alongside it, and of course, if it’s truly as kid friendly goulash as I say it is. Let’s dive in!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You bet! This is one of those fantastic meals that tastes even better the next day as all those flavors really meld together. You can make the whole batch and simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. It’s also a super star for meal prep! If you’re thinking about an easy freezer meal goulash, cool it completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.

What can I serve with this goulash?

This is a wonderful, hearty meal all on its own, but if you’re looking for a little something extra, you can’t go wrong with a simple side salad to add some freshness. A crusty piece of bread or some garlic toast is also amazing for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Some folks like a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if they’re going for a creamy element!

Is this a kid-friendly goulash recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is a huge hit with my little ones (and my husband, who still has the palate of a big kid, bless his heart!). It’s not spicy at all unless you add those optional red pepper flakes. The macaroni and the savory, tomato-based sauce are usually a winner with most children. It’s a reliable kid friendly goulash option that means I don’t have to make a separate meal!

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers are the best! Once the goulash has cooled down, just pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the refrigerator. It should be good for about 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little thick after chilling. For more tips on making this an easy freezer meal goulash, check out this guide!

Nutritional Information for this Hearty Goulash

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nitty-gritty nutritional stuff. Here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at per serving (which is about 1.5 cups of this yummy goulash). Keep in mind these are estimates, and they can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you pile into your bowl!

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 550
Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 10g, Unsaturated Fat: 15g, Trans Fat: 0g)
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Carbohydrates: 50g (Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 12g)
Protein: 30g

Share Your Easy Goulash Recipe Ground Beef Creations!

Alright friends, now it’s YOUR turn! I truly hope this easy goulash recipe ground beef becomes a staple in your busy weeknights too. I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how it turned out for you! Did your family devour it? Did you add any fun twists or secret ingredients? Please, please, please drop a comment below and share your thoughts, tips, or even just tell me you made it – it makes my day! And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media; I live for seeing your kitchen creations!

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