American Goulash (One-Pot Beef & Macaroni)

What Makes This Recipe Work

The macaroni cooks directly in the seasoned tomato broth, so it soaks up flavor and releases starch that thickens the sauce. Sweet paprika and a little Worcestershire give the dish its warm, savory character, and the result is a saucy, comforting pot with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for American Goulash (One

• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 1/2 lb (680 g) ground beef, preferably 85/15
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups (475 ml) low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni
• 1 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar, for serving (optional)

How to Make American Goulash (One

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire, and salt and bring to a boil.
4. Stir in the elbow macaroni, reduce to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Taste and adjust the salt. If the pot is too thick, add a splash of broth.
6. Spoon into bowls and top with cheddar if you like, then serve hot.

Tips for the Best American Goulash (One

• Stir often near the end so the pasta does not stick as the sauce thickens.
• Use sweet Hungarian paprika for the classic flavor; hot paprika adds a kick.
• Brown the beef well for deeper flavor before the tomatoes go in.
• A splash of broth restores the saucy texture if it tightens as it sits.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the macaroni for a chili-seasoned base and cheese to make Chili Mac.
• Serve over a bowl of hearty soups-style broth with a side of bread for a lighter meal.
• Use ground turkey or a meatless crumble for a lighter version, similar to Vegetarian Chili's swaps.
• Add a diced green bell pepper with the onion for extra vegetables.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days; the pasta absorbs sauce, so loosen with a splash of broth when reheating.
• Freezing is not recommended because the macaroni turns soft; the dish is best eaten within a few days.

American Goulash (One FAQ