American Style One-Pot Goulash
American Style One-Pot Goulash is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $10.58 total, $2.64 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
- 1 medium Onion (peeled and diced)
- 1 pound Ground Beef (lean (90% lean))
- 1 medium Bell Pepper (red, diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 1 14.5‑ounce can Canned Diced Tomatoes
- 1 8‑ounce can Tomato Sauce
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 2.5 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni (dry)
- 1 cup Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (shredded, optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables
Dice the onion, dice the bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened and translucent.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high
Brown Ground Beef
Add the 1 lb ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned, about 5 minutes. If using higher‑fat beef, drain excess fat now.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Bell Pepper & Garlic
Stir in the diced bell pepper and minced garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes until the pepper softens and the garlic is fragrant.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Season the Base
Season with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp seasoned salt. Stir for 2 minutes to combine.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Tomatoes & Broth
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, 2 bay leaves, and 2.5 cups beef broth. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and let cook for 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: simmer
Incorporate Pasta
Stir in 2 cups dry elbow macaroni. Return to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: simmer
Finish with Cheese & Parsley
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar until melted. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for color and freshness.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the goulash into bowls and enjoy while hot. Leftovers can be stored as noted below.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 26 g
- Carbohydrates
- 48 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free pasta, Can be made dairy‑free by omitting cheese or using a plant‑based cheese
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Onion: shallot, leek
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Bell Pepper: green pepper, yellow pepper
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: herbes de Provence
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika (½ tsp)
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: soy sauce (1 tsp)
- Instead of Seasoned Salt: regular salt + extra herbs
- Instead of Canned Diced Tomatoes: fresh diced tomatoes (2 cups)
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: extra diced tomatoes
- Instead of Beef Broth: water + bouillon cube
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: small shells, gluten‑free pasta
- Instead of Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: mozzarella, parmesan
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: cilantro
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch Oven (6‑quart)
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑Resistant Spatula
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Can Opener
- Grater (if shredding cheese) (optional)
- Lid for Dutch Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef for flavor
- Simmering the pasta until al dente without over‑cooking
- Stirring in the cheese off the heat to keep it smooth
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, add a splash of red wine after browning the beef and let it reduce before adding tomatoes
- Use a mix of sweet and smoked paprika for a richer flavor profile
- Toast the dried herbs briefly with the beef for a fragrant boost
Troubleshooting
The sauce is too watery after the pasta cooks
Uncover and simmer for an additional 3‑5 minutes, stirring frequently, until excess liquid evaporates.
Pasta is mushy
Reduce the simmer time; start checking for al dente at 9 minutes and remove from heat as soon as it’s firm.
Dish is too salty
Add a splash of water or unsalted broth and taste; the cheese can also balance saltiness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- The goulash can be prepared up to a day ahead; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water
- If freezing, omit the cheese; stir it in after reheating for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of American style one‑pot goulash in American cuisine?
American goulash evolved from Central European stews, adapting to the U.S. pantry by using ground beef and elbow macaroni. It became a staple comfort food in mid‑20th‑century households because it was cheap, filling, and could feed a large family from a single pot.
What are the traditional regional variations of goulash in Hungarian versus American cuisine?
Traditional Hungarian goulash is a beef stew flavored with paprika, carrots, and potatoes, served as a soup‑like dish. American versions replace stew‑type beef with ground beef, add pasta, and often incorporate tomato sauce and cheese, creating a thicker, casserole‑like meal.
How is American style one‑pot goulash traditionally served in the United States?
It is typically served hot straight from the Dutch oven, topped with shredded cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Many families pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete dinner.
What occasions or celebrations is American style one‑pot goulash traditionally associated with in American culture?
Because it feeds many people affordably, it’s popular for family gatherings, pot‑lucks, game‑day meals, and busy weeknight dinners. Its one‑pot nature makes cleanup easy for holiday cooking or after‑school meals.
What other American dishes pair well with American style one‑pot goulash?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables complement the rich, tomato‑based stew. For a heartier spread, serve alongside cornbread or a simple coleslaw.
What makes American style one‑pot goulash special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
Its blend of ground beef, pasta, and tomato‑based sauce creates a hearty, kid‑friendly dish that combines the flavors of a stew with the texture of a pasta casserole, all cooked in a single pot for minimal effort.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making American style one‑pot goulash?
Common errors include not browning the beef fully, which reduces flavor; overcooking the pasta, leading to mushiness; and adding cheese while the pot is still on high heat, which can cause a grainy texture. Follow the critical steps for best results.
Why does this American style goulash recipe use ground beef instead of stew‑cut beef?
Ground beef cooks faster, breaks down into a cohesive texture, and absorbs the seasonings quickly, making the dish ready in under an hour—ideal for a quick, one‑pot meal.
Can I make American style one‑pot goulash ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the goulash can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed, and stir in cheese at the end if you omitted it earlier.
What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Allrecipes focuses on approachable home‑cooking videos that showcase everyday recipes, step‑by‑step instructions, and tips for making classic American and international dishes accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Allrecipes emphasizes clear, concise tutorials with a focus on pantry‑friendly ingredients, one‑pot or minimal‑cleanup methods, and practical variations that suit busy families, whereas many other channels may prioritize gourmet techniques or elaborate plating.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
