Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash is a hearty, comforting pasta dish with ground beef and rich tomato sauce—simple, filling, and family-approved!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a handful of kitchen staples and you’ll be amazed at what magic you can create! These accessible ingredients each bring something irreplaceable—think texture, punchy flavor, and an irresistible creaminess—to the table in this Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash.
- Olive oil: Adds a base layer of richness and helps the veggies sweat out maximum flavor.
- Diced onion: Lends savory sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Green bell pepper: Contributes a gentle crunch plus a touch of garden-fresh flavor.
- Lean ground beef: Brings savory protein and heartiness to every bite.
- Minced garlic: Infuses bold, aromatic warmth that builds the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a velvety, tangy base that ties everything together.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Adds juicy bursts of tomato and balances the sauce.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savory background and helps cook the pasta perfectly right in the pot.
- Worcestershire sauce: Offers umami zip and a subtle, can’t-quite-place-it savoriness.
- Seasoned salt: Kicks up the flavor without overwhelming the other seasonings.
- Italian seasoning: Delivers classic herbaceous notes that pair beautifully with tomatoes and beef.
- Bay leaves: Infuse an earthy aroma during simmering and round out the sauce.
- Uncooked macaroni noodles: Soak up all the delicious flavors as they cook and create that classic goulash texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in at the end for a creamy, bubbly finish no one can resist.
How to Make Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Begin by heating up your olive oil in a large pot set over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions and green bell pepper, followed closely by the ground beef. Let the vegetables soften and the beef brown, breaking it up gently as you go. Once everything is beautifully golden and crumbled, don’t forget to drain off any extra fat—this keeps our goulash silky but not greasy.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Now, give your minced garlic a quick stir into the hot pot. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just long enough to release its fragrance. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible—but don’t let the garlic brown!
Step 3: Pour in the Liquids and Seasonings
It’s time to layer on the heart of the dish! Add in the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Sprinkle the uncooked macaroni right into the pot and stir everything together. This is where the Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash magic starts to happen—watch as the mixture comes to a gentle boil and the pasta begins to soak up all those flavors.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat so your goulash bubbles gently. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the macaroni—you want them perfect and tender with just a hint of bite. The sauce will reduce wonderfully and the flavors will become deliciously concentrated.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Serve
Once the pasta is just right, remove the bay leaves and scatter in the shredded cheddar cheese. Give everything a good stir as the cheese melts and melds into the sauce, making every spoonful extra creamy and comforting. Your Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash is ready—serve it piping hot and watch as smiles appear around the table.
How to Serve Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash
Garnishes
Elevate every bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley, snipped chives, or even green onions for a pop of color. A dollop of sour cream or a dash of red pepper flakes can add a fresh twist and a touch of heat. Don’t be afraid to make your Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash shine with a personalized final flourish!
Side Dishes
This goulash is fabulous all on its own but loves good company. Pair it with crisp garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted veggies for a complete, homey meal. If you want extra comfort, buttery corn on the cob or fluffy dinner rolls are impossible to resist alongside a bowl of cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve goulash family-style from the pot at a casual gathering, or scoop into individual ramekins and broil a bit more cheddar on top for a melty crust. For a fun twist at parties, spoon it into small cups with mini forks for a hand-held appetizer version of Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash. However you serve it, expect big smiles!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash will keep beautifully for up to four days, making it the perfect choice for stress-free lunches or quick family dinners as the week rolls along.
Freezing
This dish holds up surprisingly well in the freezer! For best results, let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. Though the pasta may soften a bit upon reheating, the flavors stay bold and satisfying. Label containers with the date and enjoy within 2–3 months for peak taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. For single servings, the microwave works great—just cover loosely and heat until steamy and thoroughly hot, giving it a good stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While classic elbow macaroni gives Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash its signature texture, small shells, penne, or rotini all work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since thicker shapes may need a few extra minutes to turn perfectly tender.
Is there a way to lighten up this goulash?
Definitely. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat, and use low-sodium broth and less cheese if you want a lighter version without losing any of the cozy flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Just be sure to monitor the pasta closely as it may cook a bit faster or slower depending on the brand.
What can I add to boost the veggie content?
Feel free to stir in extra vegetables—finely chopped carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach all meld beautifully into Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash, making it extra colorful and nutritious without sacrificing taste.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Stir the mixture occasionally during simmering and start checking the pasta for doneness around the 15-minute mark. Remember that the pasta continues to soften a little even after removing from heat, so aim for just-tender noodles when you add the cheese at the end.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, soul-warming satisfaction of a pot of Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash bubbling away on your stove. Take a chance on this quick, comforting classic—you’ll see how easy and rewarding it is to bring the whole family together with just one dish!
Craving More Comfort in a Bowl?
If this Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash warmed your soul, there’s more where that came from. For a cheesy twist that’s just as comforting, try our hearty Creamy Cornbread Chicken Bake Recipe. In the mood for beef with a kick? Don’t miss our Cheeseburger French Fry Bake Recipe — it’s a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser. Or explore bold Tex-Mex vibes with the Taco Salad Bourbon Queso Bites Recipe. For another creamy classic, the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef hits all the right notes. And if you’re looking for something creative but simple, try our Stuffed Breakfast Pretzel Rolls Recipe — savory, soft, and totally satisfying.
Print
Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
Description
Easy One-Pot Cheesy American Goulash is a hearty, comforting pasta dish with ground beef and rich tomato sauce—simple, filling, and family-approved!
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 tsp minced garlic
Protein
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
Tomato Base
- 30 oz tomato sauce (two 15 oz cans)
- 30 oz petite diced tomatoes (two 15 oz cans)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp seasoned salt
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
Pasta & Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics and beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef as it browns, until the vegetables are softened and the meat is browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess fat from the pot.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Combine liquids and pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves. Stir in the uncooked macaroni noodles, ensuring they’re well submerged. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the goulash: Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 20 minutes. The pasta should be tender and the sauce slightly thickened.
- Finish & serve: Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the goulash becomes creamy and cheesy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape you prefer.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese for added flavor.
- This dish makes excellent leftovers—refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to a month.
- Add more vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: American