One Pot American Goulash Recipe
American Goulash is the comforting dish that brings back childhood memories for many. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and the ease of one-pot cooking, it has become a go-to recipe in my kitchen. After making this dish countless times for friends and family, I’ve perfected my version to capture that balance of spices and savory goodness.
Why Make This Recipe
- Flavorful Comfort: American Goulash is loaded with savory ground beef, pasta, and spices, creating a dish that’s warm and satisfying.
- Nutrition: With ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, it’s a well-rounded meal, providing protein and carbohydrates to fuel your day.
- Convenience: Everything cooks together in one pot, making clean-up a breeze—a huge advantage for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This is one of those recipes that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family gatherings.
- Personal Insight: I love this recipe because it allows for creativity while still being straightforward; you can customize it based on what you have on hand.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
This dish comes together in a single pot, where the ingredients meld beautifully to create a hearty, delicious meal.
My Experience Making This Recipe
The first time I made American Goulash, I was wary of overcooking the pasta. I learned that adding the pasta to the simmering sauce provides just the right texture. The symphony of flavors as the herbs bloom was a delightful surprise, leading me to experiment more with spices in my next batches.
How to Make One Pot American Goulash
Making American Goulash starts with browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Then, you’ll add diced bell peppers and onions, sautéing until tender. Next, stir in your tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pasta, and seasonings. As it cooks, the pasta absorbs the sauce, creating a flavorful, cohesive meal. Just monitor it closely to ensure the pasta cooks al dente, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Expert Tips for Success
- Ingredient Quality: Choose high-quality ground beef and fresh vegetables for the best flavor. Lean beef tends to work well, but don’t hesitate to use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Pasta Choices: Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells are ideal, as they cook evenly and pair nicely with the sauce.
- Seasoning: Adjust the spices to your taste; a touch of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce can add a delightful kick.
- Monitor Liquid Levels: If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of water or broth. Conversely, if it’s too soupy, let it simmer longer to thicken.
- Cooking Vessel: Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution, which is crucial for perfect pasta.
How to Serve One Pot American Goulash
- Toppings: Garnish with shredded cheese, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
- Sides: Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad to balance the hearty dish.
- Presentation: Serve directly from the pot for a rustic family-style meal, allowing guests to help themselves.
- Occasion: This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy weeknight dinner.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to freeze goulash, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container; it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen it up.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Replace the beef with lentils or a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Creamy Version: Stir in some cream cheese or sour cream at the end of cooking for a creamy twist.
Nutritional Highlights
This dish is rich in protein thanks to the ground beef and packed with vitamins from the bell peppers and tomatoes. It’s also a good source of whole grains (if using whole grain pasta), providing nutrients that support a healthy diet. Just be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your caloric intake. This recipe is generally nut-free and can be easily adapted for dairy-free diets.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Pasta Overcooked: If the pasta ends up mushy, try cooking it separately next time to control the texture better, then add it to the sauce.
- Too Watery: If the sauce is too liquid, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water) to help thicken.
- Not Flavorful Enough: Taste before serving; adjust seasonings with more salt, pepper, or your favorite spices to elevate the taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well as alternatives. -
What if I don’t have tomato sauce?
You can use crushed tomatoes or even tomato paste with a bit of water to achieve a similar consistency. -
How can I make this dish spicier?
Adding diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce while cooking can increase the heat. -
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have a pot large enough to accommodate the increased volume, and watch the cooking times as they might need slight adjustments.
One Pot American Goulash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and hearty one-pot dish featuring ground beef, pasta, and rich flavors that bring back childhood memories.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups small pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced bell peppers and onions; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, pasta, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot, topped with shredded cheese and parsley if desired.
Notes
Pairs well with crusty bread or side salad. Customize with additional spices or vegetables as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg