Imagine a meal that's so incredibly easy to make, it'll transform your weeknight dinner routine forever! This One Pot American Goulash is the ultimate comfort food that combines hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and rich, savory flavors - all prepared in a single skillet with minimal cleanup. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or just someone craving a delicious, no-fuss meal, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon while cooking.
- Once the beef begins to brown, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté together until the onions become translucent and the beef is completely browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture to ensure a lighter, less greasy dish.
- Add diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir ingredients thoroughly to combine.
- Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the liquid and meat mixture. Stir to ensure pasta is evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Cook until macaroni is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a saucy consistency.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or grated cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to minimize excess grease while maintaining flavor.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the meat to keep the dish lighter.
- Stir occasionally while the pasta is simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Let the goulash rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
