Easy American Goulash – One Pot Pasta Recipe

Gather the family around, because it’s time to whip up an incredibly delicious and comforting Easy American Goulash! This dish is a delightful twist on classic comfort food, filled with savory beef, colorful veggies, and tender macaroni, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Plus, the aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting for dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The luscious tomato and red wine sauce envelopes each macaroni piece, creating a symphony of tastes that’s simply irresistible.
• Texture Harmony: Enjoy the soft pasta paired with savory beef and crunchy veggies, delivering the ultimate texture experience in every bite.
• Quick & Easy: A perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this scrumptious meal:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 bell peppers, diced (any color you like!)
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup red wine (for depth; feel free to substitute with beef broth)
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 whole bay leaves (optional, but add great flavor)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (adjust for spice level)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• Salt to taste

Equipment Needed

• Large, heavy-duty soup pot or Dutch oven
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in your pot. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then add them to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent.

Next, it’s time to add in your diced bell peppers. Continue sautéing for an additional 2 minutes until they soften a bit.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it turns brown. Use your wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. If there’s too much fat, drain a little, but leaving some will enhance the sauce!

3. Make that Sauce

Pour in ½ cup of red wine, stirring vigorously to deglaze the pot—this helps lift all that tasty goodness stuck to the bottom!

Now, add in the diced tomatoes (juices included), tomato sauce, soy sauce, bay leaves, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, and water. Stir well to combine everything, then cover and bring your mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and to let those flavors meld beautifully.

5. Add the Macaroni

After 30 minutes of simmering, it’s time for the elbow macaroni. Add the pasta and stir to combine. Cover again and let it simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the macaroni is cooked to your desired tenderness. Keep stirring occasionally!

6. Taste and Serve

When the pasta is tender, taste the goulash and add salt if needed. Before serving, remember to fish out those bay leaves!

Scoop servings into bowls and get ready for the compliments!

Serving Suggestions

This one-pot goulash is a meal in itself, but pair it with some warm crusty bread or a fresh Greek salad for added crunch and flavor. The whole family will love it!

Can You Freeze Goulash?

Absolutely! This goulash freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, pack it into freezer-safe containers, and store it for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label and date them!

Final Thoughts

This Easy American Goulash is not just a meal; it’s a hearty hug in a bowl. Gather your loved ones, and enjoy a delightful family dinner full of smiles and laughter. Happy cooking! 🍽️