Description
This One Pot American Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish made with ground beef, tender elbow pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines savory spices, vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese for a classic American comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
Spices & Sauces:
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Liquids & Sauces:
- 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes, drained
- 24 ounce jar pasta sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta & Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and bell pepper, cooking them for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the softened vegetables. Cook until no pink remains, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Season the Meat: Season the ground beef mixture with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the drained diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, elbow pasta, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top while still hot to allow it to melt. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer spicier food, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adding a handful of spinach or other greens near the end of cooking can boost nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one pot meal, American goulash, ground beef pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, stovetop recipe, quick pasta dinner
