Easy Ground Beef Goulash (One Pot Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes)
This easy ground beef goulash is a hearty, cheesy one pot dinner the whole family will love. Tender pasta, savory beef, and a rich tomato sauce come together in just 30 minutes.
The One Pot Ground Beef Dinner You Will Make on Repeat
Some recipes earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation, and this easy ground beef goulash is one of them. It is deeply savory, loaded with tender pasta, and wrapped in a rich tomato and beef sauce that tastes like it simmered all afternoon. The best part? Everything cooks in a single pot in about 30 minutes. No draining pasta separately, no juggling multiple pans, no stress.
This is the kind of easy dinner food that works on a Tuesday when you are tired and need something satisfying on the table fast. It is also the recipe you will pull out when you want to feed a crowd without spending a fortune. Ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, and a handful of pantry spices. That is all it takes.
If you have heard of Canadian goulash or Southern goulash, you already have an idea of what this dish is all about. American-style goulash has been a home cooking staple for generations, sometimes called "slumgullion" or simply "one pot ground beef pasta." Unlike Hungarian goulash, which is a slow-simmered beef stew, the American version is quicker, more casual, and built around that satisfying tomato-meat-pasta combination that everyone at the table seems to love.
A note on the name: Do not let the word "goulash" confuse you if you have seen it spelled different ways. "Golosh recipe," "recipe goulash," "pasta recipes with ground beef" all lead to this same beloved dish. Whatever you call it, the result is always comforting.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
There are a few reasons this one pot ground beef recipe rises above the rest:
- The pasta cooks right in the sauce. As the elbow macaroni simmers in the tomato and beef broth mixture, it soaks up all that flavor from the inside out. It is worlds apart from boiling pasta in plain salted water.
- Smoked paprika adds depth. Using smoked paprika instead of plain sweet paprika gives this dish a subtle, almost smoked goulash quality without any extra effort.
- Goulash with cheese on top. A blanket of melted cheddar cheese over the finished pot is not optional in this house. It adds creaminess and richness that pulls the whole dish together.
- One pot means one cleanup. Fewer dishes, more time to actually enjoy dinner.
Using good-quality canned tomatoes and a reliable heavy-bottomed pot really does make a difference in one pot cooker recipes like this one. A sturdy Dutch oven holds heat evenly and prevents the pasta from scorching on the bottom as it absorbs the liquid.
Ingredients Worth Talking About
The Beef
For the best flavor and texture, use an 80/20 ground beef blend. The extra fat content keeps the meat juicy and adds richness to the sauce. You will drain the excess fat after browning so the final dish does not feel greasy.
The Paprika
This is where you can customize. Sweet paprika keeps things classic and mild. Smoked paprika adds a gentle smokiness that takes this closer to a smoked goulash flavor profile. Either works beautifully, and you can even do half and half.
The Pasta
Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for American goulash, and it holds up well during the simmering process. If you only have rotini or small shells on hand, those work fine too. Just keep an eye on the cook time.
The Cheese
Freshly shredded cheddar melts far better than pre-shredded bags, which often contain anti-caking agents that make the cheese clump. If you have 2 extra minutes to shred your own, you will notice the difference.
Chef's Tip: Do not skip the Worcestershire sauce. It adds a savory, umami depth that makes the tomato base taste richer and more complex without anyone being able to identify exactly what that mystery flavor is.
Tips for Perfect One Pot Ground Beef Goulash Every Time
Brown the beef properly. Give it space in the pot and let it develop some color before stirring. That caramelized crust adds flavor that goes all the way through the finished dish.
Stir the pasta occasionally as it simmers. Pasta sitting against the bottom of the pot can stick and scorch, especially in the last few minutes. A gentle stir every 3 to 4 minutes keeps everything moving.
Do not rush the simmer. Keep the heat at medium-low once the pasta goes in. A hard boil will break down the pasta too quickly and leave you with mushy noodles.
Taste before serving. Canned tomatoes and broths vary a lot in sodium content. Always taste the finished goulash and adjust salt as needed before bringing it to the table.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step-by-step recipe:
Easy Ground Beef Goulash (One Pot Dinner Ready in 30 Minutes)
This easy ground beef goulash is a hearty, cheesy one pot dinner the whole family will love. Tender pasta, savory beef, and a rich tomato sauce come together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef, 80/20 blend recommended
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes, one large can
- 15 oz tomato sauce, one can
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth, low sodium preferred
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp paprika, smoked or sweet
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, for topping, optional but highly recommended
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instruction
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so it does not burn.
Add the ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Carefully drain off excess fat.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to let the spices bloom.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly to the pot and stir to submerge the pasta in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the goulash looks too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot directly from the pot.
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (at least 5-quart)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Lid for the skillet or pot
- Chef's knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colander (for draining beef fat)
Notes
Serving, Storing, and Making It Your Own
This goulash is a complete meal all on its own, but a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side never hurts. For a heartier spread, it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a quick coleslaw.
Storing leftovers: Transfer cooled goulash to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
Freezing: This recipe freezes extremely well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Easy Variations to Try
- Spicy goulash: Add 0.5 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
- Extra veggie goulash: Stir in a cup of frozen corn or canned kidney beans along with the tomatoes.
- Creamier goulash: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end for a richer sauce.
- Turkey goulash: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version that is still deeply satisfying.
However you make it, this easy ground beef goulash delivers on every level. It is budget-friendly, kid-approved, endlessly adaptable, and genuinely delicious. Add it to your list of go-to one pot ground beef recipes for easy dinners and you will never scramble for a weeknight meal idea again.
