Easy One-Pot American Goulash - Ultimate Comfort Food
Easy One-Pot American Goulash - Ultimate Comfort Food is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Natashas Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 1 hr 22 min
Cost: $13.13 total, $3.28 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (peeled and finely chopped)
- 2 medium Carrot (grated)
- 2 unit Celery Stalks (finely chopped)
- 3 unit Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (helps balance acidity)
- 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 cup Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 2 cups Water (hot)
- 8 oz Dry Macaroni Pasta (elbow or small shells)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
Instructions
Prepare vegetables
Grate the carrots, finely chop the onion and celery, and mince the garlic cloves.
Time: PT5M
Heat pot and brown beef
Place the pot over medium‑high heat, add the oil, then add the ground beef. Break it up with the spatula and cook for about 2 minutes until browned.
Time: PT2M
Sauté vegetables
Add the grated carrots, chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Time: PT5M
Season the mixture
Sprinkle in the salt, dried oregano, freshly ground black pepper, and sugar. Mix well.
Time: PT1M
Add tomatoes and broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chicken stock, and hot water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Time: PT5M
Simmer sauce
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT20M
Cook pasta in sauce
Stir the dry macaroni directly into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches your desired doneness. Add more hot water if the mixture looks dry.
Time: PT20M
Finish and serve
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with hot water if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Nut‑free, Soy‑free
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Red onion
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Fennel
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Instead of Sugar: Honey (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce (1 tsp)
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Beef broth, Vegetable broth
- Instead of Dry Macaroni Pasta: Small shells, Penne
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
Equipment Needed
- Large Heavy Pot or Dutch Oven
- Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Box Grater
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle or Large Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding vegetables.
- Simmer the sauce for at least 20 minutes to develop flavor.
- Cook the pasta directly in the sauce, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese at the end for a creamy finish.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Grating the carrots lets their sweetness melt into the sauce without visible pieces.
- Adding a pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Cooking the pasta in the sauce lets it absorb all the flavors, eliminating the need for a separate pot of boiled pasta.
Troubleshooting
Pasta sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Stir more frequently and add a little extra hot water or broth to keep the mixture loose.
The goulash is too thick.
Gradually add hot water or additional chicken stock until the desired saucy consistency is reached.
The flavor is bland.
Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of extra oregano; a splash of Worcestershire sauce can also boost depth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe bags or containers; freeze up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; cool before refrigerating.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate; add the pasta when ready to serve.
- If making ahead, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of American goulash in United States cuisine?
American goulash, often called "American goulash" or "slumgullion," evolved from Central European goulash but became a staple comfort food in the Midwest during the early 20th century, offering an inexpensive, filling meal for working families.
What are the traditional regional variations of goulash in American cuisine?
In the Midwest, the dish is typically a one‑pot beef, tomato, and pasta stew, while in the Southwest you may find it spiced with chili powder and served with corn tortillas, and in the Northeast some cooks add beans for extra protein.
How is American goulash traditionally served in the Midwest?
Midwestern families often serve it hot straight from the pot, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or cheddar, alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
What occasions or celebrations is goulash traditionally associated with in American families?
Goulash is a go‑to weeknight dinner, but it also appears at pot‑luck gatherings, school fundraisers, and after‑school meals because it reheats well and feeds a crowd affordably.
How does goulash fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort food ethos: simple, hearty, and adaptable. Like mac and cheese or chili, it uses pantry staples, offers a one‑pot solution, and delivers warm, satisfying flavors that remind people of home.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for American goulash versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include ground beef, onion, carrot, celery, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, pasta, and Parmesan. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey or chicken for the beef, different pasta shapes, and other hard cheeses such as Pecorino Romano.
What other American side dishes pair well with this goulash?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread, or steamed green beans make excellent accompaniments, balancing the rich, saucy main with fresh texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this easy goulash?
Common errors include overcooking the ground beef, not simmering the sauce long enough for flavor development, letting the pasta stick by not stirring, and forgetting to add enough liquid, which can dry out the dish.
How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked in the goulash?
Taste a piece of pasta; it should be al dente—soft on the outside with a slight bite in the center. The sauce should still be saucy, not dry, indicating the pasta has absorbed just enough liquid.
What does the YouTube channel Natasha's Kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Natasha's Kitchen specializes in family‑friendly, budget‑conscious American comfort food recipes that emphasize one‑pot meals, quick weeknight dinners, and practical cooking tips for busy households.
Last updated: August 27, 2026
