One Pot Cheesy Goulash.’

One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash is a hearty and delicious recipe loaded with beef, pasta simmered in a tomato sauce for an easy weeknight meal.

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One-pot goulash is a breeze to make and packed full of flavor. I love the ease of one pot meals like my One Pan Pork Tenderloin and Vegetables, Cheesy Enchilada Pasta. 

Why this recipe works

What’s not to love about a goulash recipe? It’s hearty, filling, and very affordable! It’s made with staple pantry ingredients. And, my favorite part about this goulash recipe, besides its great flavor, is that it’s a one pot meal. Plus, it’s a delicious meal that the whole family can enjoy served with some Ciabatta Garlic Bread. It comes together pretty quickly, making it the perfect weeknight dinner recipe!

Ingredients needed

• Ground beef: lean ground beef
• Spices: salt, black pepper, paprika, basil, oregano, and fresh parsley
• Onion: large yellow onion
• Minced garlic: Fresh is always recommended.
• Beef broth: Low sodium
• Bouillon cubes
• Tomatoes: both a can of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. I used fire-roasted diced tomatoes, but you can use regular ones. 
• Worcestershire sauce
• Elbow macaroni noodles: this can be swapped out for other pasta. Typically a short pasta works best.
• Cheddar cheese: pre-shredded cheddar cheese doesn’t melt as nicely as fresh grated cheese 

What’s the difference between American goulash and Hungarian Goulash?

American goulash is a dish that originated in the United States. It’s a hearty dish typically made with macaroni noodles, ground beef (or turkey) and tomato sauce. In contrast to this, Hungarian goulash is a soup-like stew made of stew meat that’s simmered for hours with vegetables and spices and uses paprika-flavored sauce.

How to make American goulash

• Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until beef is browned. Drain the fat. 
• Step 2: Add garlic and onion, and cook before adding the beef broth. 

• Step 3: Add bouillon cubes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, basil, oregano, and parsley. 
• Step 4: Use a wooden spoon and stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer. 

• Step 5: Add in the dry elbow noodles, cook.
• Step 6: Once cooked give it a good stir.

• Step 7: Cover, and simmer the mixture again. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. 
• Step 8: Add cheese to the pot, stir it in, and serve. 

Recipe tips

• Use fresh grated cheese pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• You can swap out the macaroni pasta for whatever you have on hand.
• You can swap the ground beef out for ground turkey for a healthier version.
• If you like a little heat, try adding some crushed red pepper or cayenne pepper to this one-pot goulash recipe. 
• Feel free to add in more vegetables like mushrooms, green bell pepper, corn, or even green beans.