One-pot beefy tomato pasta with melted cheese
American Goulash
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6
6 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Recipe at a Glance
A hearty one-pot meal of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheese. American goulash is weeknight comfort food at its easiest.
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $
Quick Summary
35 min total time|6 servings|Easy difficulty
A hearty one-pot meal of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheese. American goulash is weeknight comfort food at its easiest.
American
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
American goulash—not to be confused with Hungarian goulash—is the ultimate weeknight one-pot wonder. Ground beef, elbow mac, and a beefy tomato sauce come together in under 30 minutes.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Brown ground beef and diced onion in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
- 2
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil.
- 4
Stir in elbow macaroni, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- 5
Remove from heat, sprinkle with cheese, cover 2 minutes until melted, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Substitutions
Ground beefGround turkey or Italian sausage
Italian sausage adds extra flavor without extra seasoning
Elbow macaroniRotini or small shells
Any short pasta that catches the sauce
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Stir frequently during the last 5 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Add a pinch of sugar to the tomato sauce if it tastes too acidic.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb sauce overnight, so add broth when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (75mg) · 6 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat40g
Fiber720mg
Sugar4g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference from Hungarian goulash?
- Hungarian goulash is a paprika-based beef stew with no pasta. American goulash is a tomato-beef pasta dish.
- Can I use a different pasta?
- Rotini, penne, or shells all work—adjust cooking time per package directions.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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