![For a great goulash, you need some key items. Here’s what I use: - 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (your choice of color) - 2 cups elbow macaroni These ingredients form the base of your dish. The ground meat gives it heartiness. The onion, garlic, and bell pepper add layers of flavor. Elbow macaroni absorbs all the rich sauce, making every bite tasty. Seasoning is key to any great dish. For this goulash, I recommend: - 2 cups beef broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with their juices) - 2 tablespoons tomato paste - 2 teaspoons paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste The beef broth adds richness, while the diced tomatoes bring a slight sweetness. Tomato paste thickens the sauce and enhances the tomato flavor. The spices create warmth and depth, giving your goulash that comforting taste. If you want to elevate your goulash, consider these extras: - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a creamy finish) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Adding cheese gives your dish a creamy texture that kids love. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. These optional ingredients can transform a simple meal into something special. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking process, ensuring a delicious result. Browning the meat In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the pan over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it browns and is fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If there is extra fat, carefully drain it. Sautéing aromatics Next, add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir often until the onion turns soft and clear. This step adds deep flavor to your goulash. Adding vegetables and liquid Stir in 1 diced bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes. The bell pepper will soften slightly but should stay crunchy. Now, pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes, juices included. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring the pasta gets coated. Combining everything together Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to stop sticking. The pasta should be tender, and the sauce should be thick. Simmering time and adjusting flavors Check the taste before serving. If needed, adjust with more salt and pepper. This will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Melting the cheese for creaminess If you like cheese, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until it melts and spreads throughout the goulash. This adds a rich, creamy texture that makes the dish even more delicious. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your hearty one-pot goulash! To make your goulash even better, consider using homemade broth. Homemade broth adds depth and richness. If you don’t have time, store-bought is fine, too. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper for some heat or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick. A touch of smoked paprika can give a nice twist. When cooking, stickiness can be a problem. To avoid this, stir often and keep the heat low. If using whole grain or larger pasta, adjust the cooking time. Whole grain pasta may need a few extra minutes. Always check the pasta for doneness before serving. For a complete meal, serve your goulash with a side of crusty bread. Garlic bread pairs well and adds a nice crunch. A simple green salad can also brighten the meal. For a finished look, top each bowl with fresh parsley. It adds color and freshness to your dish. {{image_4}} You can make goulash healthier with some easy swaps. Try using lean meats like ground turkey instead of beef. Whole grain pasta is another great choice for added fiber. If you prefer a meat-free meal, go for lentils or beans. These options still give you that hearty feel without the meat. Want to kick up the heat? Add chili powder for a spicy kick. You can also explore international versions of goulash. For an Italian twist, use Italian sausage and add herbs like thyme. If you want a Mexican flair, mix in taco seasoning and black beans. Each variation brings a new taste to your table. Goulash is flexible when it comes to veggies. Use seasonal produce like zucchini in summer or squash in fall. This keeps your dish fresh and vibrant. Leftovers can also shine in this recipe. If you have extra veggies from last night’s dinner, toss them in. Being creative with leftovers adds unique flavors to your goulash. If you want to try the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your goulash fresh, store it in the fridge. Use airtight containers. This method keeps the flavors intact and prevents spills. Aim to eat your leftovers within three days for the best taste. You can reheat goulash in two ways: the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and cover it. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. On the stovetop, add goulash to a pot over low heat. Stir often until hot. This method helps maintain its rich flavor and texture. To freeze goulash, let it cool completely first. Then, use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. This step helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or microwave until hot. This keeps your goulash tasty and enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the link above. The best meat for goulash is ground beef or ground turkey. Both options work well. Ground beef gives a nice, rich flavor. Ground turkey is leaner and lower in fat. You can also try plant-based options for a veggie twist. Just make sure they can hold up in the pot. Yes, you can make goulash ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day! To prep, cook the goulash and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container. When you want to eat it, reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. To thicken your goulash, try these methods: - Cornstarch: Mix it with a little water and stir it in. - Flour: Blend flour with water, then add it slowly. - Simmer longer: Let it cook uncovered to reduce liquid. These techniques will help you achieve a nice, hearty texture. Absolutely! To adapt the recipe for slow cooking: - Brown your meat first, then add it to the slow cooker. - Add all other ingredients, except for pasta and cheese. - Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. - Stir in pasta and cheese in the last 30 minutes. This method gives you a rich and tasty meal with minimal fuss. For the full recipe, check out the Easy One Pot Goulash. In this blog post, we explored how to make easy one-pot goulash. We covered essential ingredients, like ground meat, pasta, and spices. You learned to prepare the base and enhance flavors with tips and tricks. Variations let you customize to your taste, and storage information ensures leftovers stay fresh. Goulash is simple yet versatile. You can easily adapt it to fit your needs. Try it today and enjoy a warm, tasty meal!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/a1c7bd88-cc61-4ec3-afa6-69f22231e869-250x250.webp)
Easy One Pot Goulash
Warm up with this hearty one-pot goulash that's easy to make and packed with flavor! Featuring ground beef or turkey, elbow macaroni, and a blend of savory spices, this comforting meal is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's simple to prep and cleanup too. Don’t miss out on this delicious recipe—click through to explore how to make your own satisfying bowl of goulash today!