One Pot Goulash is an American classic recipe that includes elbow macaroni, lean ground beef, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, seasonings and a little Velveeta to make a quick, one pot dinner! One of the most versatile meals in America, plus easy to stick in the freezer.
“Goulash, Goulash, tastes great! Goulash, Goulash, can’t wait!”
THAT is what my dad used to sing every time our family had Goulash for supper, and it has always kind of stuck with me. Goulash is kind of like BBQs..everyone makes it but everyone makes it differently! This recipe is very similar to what my mom created when we were growing up, and is simple and versatile-feel free to add more seasonings to it! It is an easy busy night meal because you only dirty 1 pot and can have it ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients in American Goulash
Ground Beef – I like to use lean ground beef from our farm.
Elbow Maccaroni –is the pasta I have used, however now a few years later after making this, I have toddler kids that love to use Cavatappi noodles– in equal amounts to elbow.
Diced tomatoes- 15 oz can, not drained. I think EVERY goulash recipe has diced tomatoes in it.
Tomato Soup– any brand would work.
Onion- if you don’t like onion, like my husband, dice it very fine or you can leave it out and just use onion powder.
Minced Garlic- this is a must. I like to buy minced garlic in bulk at Sams Club because I use it in everything. You need to add black pepper, too.
Brown sugar- to add just a tish of sweetness.
Velveeta cheese- yes. It is necessary.
Milk or beef broth- or a combination of the two.
Olive oil- basically for greasing the pan- use any oil you prefer. I have been into using tallow lately for its’ nutritional benefits.
How to make one pot goulash
- Heat a large pan on medium high heat. Add oil to pan and then hamburger to brown. Add diced onion.
- Once ground beef is browned, drain any excess grease and return to pan. Add tomato soup, diced tomatoes, milk, elbow macaroni, brown sugar and seasonings. Mix together, let simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes or until elbow macaroni is cooked to your preference, making sure to stir frequently. Add more milk/broth if gets too thick.
- Cube the Velveeta and add to mixture. Stirring for about 5 minutes on medium low heat to melt the cheese.
- Enjoy
Goulash Substitutions
There are so many ways you can utilize substitutions in this recipe.
If you prefer less milk, replace the 2 cups of milk with beef broth entirely or partially.
You can also use real shredded cheese instead of Velveeta, about 1/4 cup of any kind (cheddar, etc.). However it may not melt quite as well.
If you don’t have elbow macaroni feel free to use equal amounts of other pasta. As I mentioned above my kids have enjoyed Cavatappi noodles in place of elbow.
Replace tomato soup with equal amounts of tomato sauce.
Replace diced onion with 1-2 tsp onion powder.
Add 1 cup of veggies such as corn, diced carrots.
Where did Goulash come from?
I started to get curious, where did goulash come from? Is it just an Iowan/Midwest dish? Well, it actually originated in Hungary BUT their goulash is completely different than American Goulash (so i’m really not sure WHY we call our dish goulash?). Google also told me that it is primarily enjoyed in the Midwest and South here in the good old USA.
Goulash Recipe FAQs
Yes, let it cool and then freeze in air tight, freezer safe, containers. Thaw and warm again in the microwave.
This is almost a meal in itself, so keep the sides simple.
Simple Side Salad
Garlic Toast
Broccoli Salad
Let the dish cool and then store in air tight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm in microwave.
Yes. Brown the hamburger, add all ingredients except noodles- cook on low for 2 hours, then add noodles-give a good stir and let cook on low for additional 30-45 minutes until noodles are done. May need to add more broth/milk this way.
More Recipes like this Goulash Recipe
I think you’d love our Beef and Egg Noodles Recipe. Another recipe that goes well with egg noodles is our Swedish Meatballs Recipe. A hearty ground beef recipe is our Cowboy Casserole.
Another popular weeknight dinner would be Crescent Roll Taco Bake
If you like slider, try our Pizza Slider Recipe
Dessert anyone? Try our Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! OR vanilla pudding chocolate chip cookies. Another great cookie recipe is our Cowboy Cookies.
Goulash is a great recipe for kids. Want to get your kids involved in the kitchen? Check out our article – how to get kids in the kitchen.
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One Pot Goulash
Equipment
- 1 large pan for cooking
- 1 measuring utensils
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or cavatoppi
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato soup
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2-3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 2 oz velveeta
- 1-3/4 cups milk or beef broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil or other oil for greasing pan (tallow, butter, etc)
Instructions
- Heat a large pan on medium high heat. Add oil to pan and then hamburger to brown. Add diced onion.
- Once ground beef is browned, drain any excess grease and return to pan. Add tomato soup, diced tomatoes, milk, elbow macaroni, brown sugar and seasonings. Mix together, let simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes or until elbow macaroni is cooked to your preference, making sure to stir frequently. Add more milk/broth if gets too thick.
- Cube the Velveeta and add to mixture. Stirring for about 5 minutes on medium low heat to melt the cheese.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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