Hearty One Pot Classic Goulash with Ground Beef and Tomato 🍲🍅

This comforting dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights. With tender ground beef, rich tomatoes, and al dente pasta, it’s a filling meal that requires minimal clean-up—perfect for a one-pot wonder! 💖

Ingredients

For the goulash

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with herbs if desired)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For garnish

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

🥄 Don’t rush this step! Sautéing the vegetables until they're tender enhances the flavor of the dish.

• Add the minced garlic and the ground beef to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

• Once the meat is browned, stir in the paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their fragrance.

• Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.

• Stir in the elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

🧊 If needed, add a little more broth or water during cooking if the mixture gets too thick.

• Once the pasta is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

Variations

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat! 🌶️
• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a mix of your favorite vegetables (such as zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots).
• Cheesy: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese before serving for a creamier texture.
• Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in some frozen peas or corn during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your goulash hot, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of color. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad to complete the meal. Enjoy! 🍽️❤️