5 One-Pot Dinner Recipes
5 One-Pot Dinner Recipes is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Wishes on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 59 min | Total: 1 hr 29 min
Cost: $13.61 total, $2.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin, for browning)
- 1 large Onion (yellow, diced)
- 2 pound Ground Beef (80/20, preferably grass‑fed)
- 3 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon Paprika (Hungarian preferred; smoked works too)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Herb Mix (dried blend)
- 1.5 leaf Bay Leaves (crushed)
- ¼ cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (canned, drained)
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (plain, no extra herbs)
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (low‑sodium)
- 2 cup Elbow Macaroni (dry, about 8 oz)
- ¼ cup Italian Parsley (fresh, chopped)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp; optional)
Instructions
Brown the Beef and Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion and the ground beef. Break the meat up with a flat wooden spatula and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the liquid released has evaporated, leaving the bottom of the pot dry.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high
Add Aromatics and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, Italian herb mix, and crushed bay leaves. Cook, stirring, for about 3–4 minutes to toast the garlic and awaken the spices.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium‑high
Introduce Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Simmer for Flavor Development
Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: medium
Cook the Pasta
Raise the heat to medium‑high. When the mixture returns to a boil, add the elbow macaroni. Stir and cook for 12 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender, stirring every 2–3 minutes to prevent sticking.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: medium‑high
Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped parsley and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts into the hot sauce.
Time: PT5M
Rest
Cover the pot and let the goulash sit for 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb any remaining liquid and the flavors to meld.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Give the goulash a final stir, taste for seasoning, and serve hot. Top each bowl with a little extra cheddar and parsley if desired.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 38 g
- Fat
- 14 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground pork
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: table salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: ground pepper
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: chili flakes
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
- Instead of Italian Herb Mix: oregano & thyme blend
- Instead of Bay Leaves: thyme
- Instead of Chicken Broth: water, vegetable broth
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: fresh tomatoes (1 cup)
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: plain tomato sauce
- Instead of Soy Sauce: tamari
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: any small pasta shape
- Instead of Italian Parsley: flat‑leaf parsley
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, mozzarella
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef until all released moisture evaporates (dry bottom).
- Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes before adding pasta to develop flavor.
- Cook the macaroni until just tender, not over‑cooked.
- Rest the finished dish, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use grass‑fed 80/20 beef for richer flavor and better texture.
- Toast the paprika and herbs for 30‑40 seconds before adding liquids to deepen their aroma.
- Stir in the cheese off the heat to avoid a grainy texture.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too watery after adding pasta.
Continue to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, until the excess liquid is absorbed.
Pasta is mushy.
Reduce the cooking time next time; test the pasta a minute or two earlier. Remember the residual heat will finish cooking it during the rest period.
Dish tastes bland.
Adjust seasoning after the rest period—add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a dash of soy sauce. Fresh herbs and extra cheese also boost flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portion‑sized containers for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The goulash reheats beautifully; add a splash of broth when reheating to restore moisture.
- Cheese can be added fresh just before serving for the best melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of American Goulash in American cuisine?
American Goulash evolved from Hungarian goulash but became a staple in school cafeterias and home kitchens as a comforting, budget‑friendly one‑pot meal, often featuring ground beef and elbow macaroni instead of traditional beef chunks and dumplings.
What are the traditional regional variations of American Goulash in the United States?
In the Midwest, the dish often includes tomato sauce and a generous amount of cheese, while in the South you may find it seasoned with Cajun spices. Some versions swap macaroni for small shells or even rice.
How is American Goulash traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the pot, topped with shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Many families pair it with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
What occasions or celebrations is American Goulash traditionally associated with in American culture?
American Goulash is a go‑to weeknight dinner, but it also appears at pot‑luck gatherings, school fundraisers, and casual family get‑togethers because it feeds a crowd and can be made in a single pot.
What makes American Goulash special or unique in American comfort‑food cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of seasoned ground beef, tomato‑based sauce, and pasta all cooked together, creating a thick, hearty casserole‑like texture that is both filling and easy to prepare.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making American Goulash?
Common errors include adding the pasta too early (resulting in bland noodles), not evaporating the beef moisture before adding liquids (which makes the sauce watery), and overcooking the macaroni so it becomes mushy.
Why does this American Goulash recipe use soy sauce as a secret ingredient instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce adds a subtle umami depth and a hint of saltiness that complements the beef and tomato base without overpowering the other flavors, whereas Worcestershire can introduce a stronger, tangier note that changes the classic profile.
Can I make American Goulash ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making American Goulash?
The sauce should be thick and glossy, clinging to the pasta. The beef should be browned with a dry bottom before liquids are added, and the macaroni should be just tender, slightly plump but not mushy.
What does the YouTube channel Food Wishes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, humor‑filled cooking tutorials that break down classic and modern recipes into easy‑to‑follow steps for home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Food Wishes' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Food Wishes combines Chef John's witty narration with clear visual cues, focusing on one‑pot or minimal‑equipment methods that prioritize flavor and simplicity, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate techniques or multiple dishes.
Last updated: August 26, 2026
