Grandma’s Goulash One Pot

This crowd-pleasing goulash is what I reach for when everyone needs comfort and a filling bowl of dinner on the table fast. Tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce come together in one pot. It is the type of meal that tastes like home and brings me right back to my grandma’s kitchen every time.

I first started making this goulash for weeknight dinners and soon found out that everyone including the pickiest kids asks for seconds. The leftovers are just as good the next day which never happens in my house.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The centerpiece of this dish Choose fresh beef with a deep pink color for best flavor
• Onion: Diced finely for sweetness and rounds out the sauce Pick a firm heavy onion and avoid any with soft spots
• Garlic: Essential for depth and savory notes Fresh garlic always makes the difference so mince your own
• Diced tomatoes: Canned for convenience Look for a can with no added sugar
• Tomato sauce: The base of the sauce Go for a plain variety to control the salt and spice
• Beef broth: Rounds out the sauce with rich flavor Choose low-sodium broth to prevent an overly salty dish
• Elbow macaroni: The pasta that pulls it together Stick with classic elbows but any small pasta works in a pinch
• Paprika: Brings subtle warmth Hungarian or sweet paprika gives the most authentic flavor
• Italian seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs and background notes Use a fresh jar for maximized aroma
• Salt and pepper: To season and finish Start with a little and adjust at the end
• Bay leaf: Optional but infuses extra herbal fragrance Use a fresh leaf not dried out and brittle
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Optional for creamy richness Use freshly grated for best melting
• Parsley: Optional for garnish Adds color and brightness so chop just before serving

Instructions

Cook the Beef:

Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat breaking it up with a spoon Cook until fully browned and no pink remains This creates the savory base for your sauce and infuses the whole pot with hearty flavor If there is a lot of grease tilt the pan and use a spoon to skim it off before moving on

Sauté the Aromatics:

Add the diced onion and minced garlic directly into the browned beef Give them a good stir and let everything cook together for about three to four minutes Stir often making sure the onion softens and turns almost translucent This step builds a sweet layer right into the meat

Build the Sauce:

Pour in the diced tomatoes tomato sauce and beef broth Add the paprika Italian seasoning salt black pepper and drop in the bay leaf if using Mix it all together well and be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to get up any browned bits Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer which lets all the flavors mingle

Simmer and Develop Flavor:

Reduce the heat so the mixture is just bubbling Gently simmer for ten to fifteen minutes uncovered Stir once or twice so nothing sticks During this time the sauce thickens up and the seasonings penetrate everything

Cook the Pasta:

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni Make sure every piece is submerged in the sauce This ensures all the pasta absorbs flavor as it cooks Cover the pot and let it cook for twelve to fifteen minutes Stir every few minutes and check that the pasta is tender but not mushy

Final Touches:

Fish out the bay leaf if you added one Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed If you want extra creaminess stir in the shredded cheddar cheese at this stage It will melt right in

Serve:

Spoon the goulash into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color Serve hot and enjoy the nostalgic aroma and taste with every bite

Save

My favorite part has always been the moment I stir in the cheddar cheese at the end The way it melts into the sauce takes this goulash from good to unforgettable My grandma would always sneak in a spoonful just for herself when she thought no one was looking For us it is a little family tradition to steal the first bite straight from the pot

Storage Tips

Goulash stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days Keep it in a tightly sealed container for best fresh flavor If the pasta absorbs some sauce just add a splash of beef broth before reheating A little time in the microwave or on the stovetop brings it right back to life

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version Gluten-free macaroni fits right in and keeps the dish just as satisfying If you do not have diced tomatoes crushed tomatoes or even tomato puree work in a pinch Just keep an eye on seasoning and adjust as needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve this goulash with a chunk of crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal Sometimes I top individual bowls with a little extra cheddar or even a dollop of sour cream For a busy week everyone can help themselves and add their own toppings

Cultural and Historical Context

American goulash draws inspiration from traditional Hungarian goulash but swaps out chunks of stew beef for ground beef and paprika-infused broth for tomato sauce It became a staple in American kitchens for being hearty filling and suiting what was on hand Even today it sparks nostalgia for those big family potlucks and friendly neighborhood gatherings

Seasonal Adaptations

Add colorful bell peppers or zucchini in summer for more veggies Try a smoked paprika for a new twist on flavor in cooler months Use hot paprika if you like extra heat with your comfort food

Success Stories

One of my favorite kitchen memories is making this for my daughter’s birthday party I doubled the recipe and the pot was scraped clean before I had a chance to get seconds The goulash ended up on our regular menu rotation and neighbors now drop hints just to snag a container

Freezer Meal Conversion

Let goulash cool to room temperature then portion into freezer-safe containers It freezes beautifully and reheats with the same cozy taste Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently rewarm from frozen over low heat always with a splash of extra broth

Save

This is the kind of meal that will keep everyone coming back for more and fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort every time you make it.

Recipe FAQ

→ What kind of beef works best for this goulash?

Lean ground beef is ideal, as it browns nicely while minimizing grease. You can substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.

→ How do I keep the macaroni from overcooking?

Monitor closely and stir occasionally during simmering. Once the macaroni is just tender, remove the pot from heat to prevent overcooking.

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to stir in bell peppers, carrots, or celery with the onion for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, though the pasta may become softer after reheating. For best texture, prepare pasta fresh before serving.

→ What can be used instead of cheddar cheese?

Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses provide a creamy finish and pair well with the other flavors.

→ How can I make this meal spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or use a bit of hot sauce during cooking to elevate the heat to your taste.