Print

Easy Goulash Recipe (One Pot Family Dinner)

Easy homemade goulash with elbow macaroni and ground beef in rich tomato sauce served in a white bowl
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 29 oz can tomato sauce
  • 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes (or crushed for picky eaters)
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp ground thyme (optional)
  • 16 oz dry macaroni noodles (large), uncooked
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Optional Add-Ins:
    • corn,
    • green beans,
    • mushrooms,
    • peas

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Add diced onion and bell pepper and continue cooking until softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, seasoned salt, 1/4 tsp salt, and thyme (if using). Stir to combine.
  6. Add dry macaroni noodles and stir well. Bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened. Add additional broth if needed.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in butter and 1 cup cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
  9. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve warm topped with shredded cheddar cheese and optional Parmesan.

Notes

  • Simmer uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken properly.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
  • Add extra broth if the mixture thickens before the pasta is fully cooked.
  • Butter at the end helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a smoother, richer sauce.
  • For a deeper flavor, you can add 1–2 tsp paprika when adding the seasonings.

Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/easy-goulash-recipe/