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Home » Recipes » Entrees

One Pot American Goulash

Published: Mar 9, 2023 by Bowl Me Over · 19 Comments

Jump to Recipe

This Cheesy Goulash recipe is an easy and delicious dinner idea that the whole family will love. It is made with simple ingredients like elbow macaroni, ground beef, pasta sauce, cheese and corn. It's great comfort food and a real crowd-pleaser to make on busy weeknights when you need something quick yet tasty.

Have you tried the Stuffed Pepper Casserole yet? It's always a hit!

Pasta on plate with fork.
Easy cheesy goulash recipe!
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe   
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions 
  • Equipment
  • FAQ's
  • Deb's best tips
  • Variations
  • Storage
  • Related recipes
  • Serve with
  • Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Why you'll love this recipe   

✔️ It takes only 30 minutes to make and picky eaters love this hearty meal.

✔️ It's a one-pot meal that doesn't require much cleanup.

✔️ The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger groups when you need an easy dinner recipe.

Instructions to make pasta recipe, with print overlay.
Ingredients for the easy goulash recipe.

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • ground beef
  • pasta sauce
  • ketchup
  • elbow macaroni
  • frozen corn
  • colby jack cheese
Instructions to make recipe, with print overlay.

Instructions 

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. Add the ground beef to a large Dutch Oven or similar pot and cook until no pink remains.
  2. Drain (if needed).
  3. Add the pasta sauce, water and ketchup and stir well. Bring to a boil.
  4. Add the elbow pasta, stir well and bring back to a boil.
  5. Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the lid to the pot.
  6. Cook for 15 minutes.
  7. Give a good stir, add the corn and stir well.
  8. Sprinkle with the cheese on top. Garnish with a pinch of green onions or parsley (optional).

Equipment

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  • large pot or dutch oven with lid

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FAQ's

What is the difference between Hungarian goulash and regular goulash?

Hungarian goulash is a hearty beef stew with vegetables and root vegetables. Regular goulash is a combination of macaroni, ground beef and cheese.

Why do they call it goulash?

Goulash is a Hungarian word meaning "herdsman's stew". So, this recipe got it's name from the hungarian word, because it's all cooked in one pot.

Can I make this goulash ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 2 days before serving.

Cheesy goulash in pot.

Deb's best tips

  • Make sure that you brown the ground beef until there's no pink left.
  • Don't forget to drain the fat off after cooking the beef.
  • This is a great make-ahead dish because the next day it tastes even better!
  • If you are using extra lean ground beef, you can add a little olive oil or canola oil to your pot so prevent the beef from sticking.
  • I prefer to shred my own cheese for this recipe because it melts better.
  • For a more creamy goulash, you can stir in ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the very end.

Variations

  • Use your favorite kind of cheese, like sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or a Mexican blend whatever you have on hand you can use for this recipe.
  • Instead of using ground beef, you could also use ground turkey or ground chicken for this recipe.
  • Add more flavor by adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and Italian seasoning.
  • For a spicy goulash add a hint of spice adding some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the pasta sauce.
  • If you don't have uncooked elbow macaroni on hand, you can use other short pasta shapes like shells or bowties.
  • Add some vegetables to this recipe by adding in diced onions, carrots, celery or chopped bell pepper.

Storage

Refrigerate - Leftover goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat - Place leftovers into a pot or skillet with a lid over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat using the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth or water to give the dish a little moisture if needed.

Freezer - This goulash freezes well in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months.

Goulash in pot topped with cheese.

Related recipes

  • Are you looking for more easy recipes to make for your family? You are guaranteed to find something your will love in these Easy Chicken Casserole recipes.
  • If you love to make a comfort food classic recipe for dinner, then this Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel is the next recipe that you want to make.
  • If you love a cheesy noodle dish, be sure and try the beef stroganoff casserole.
  • Do you want another classic dinner recipe for your family? If so, give this Chicken Noodle Casserole a try. It's creamy and comforting and always a hit.

Serve with

  • This Air Fryer Garlic Bread is always a crowd pleaser when you serve it as a side dish with pasta dishes like this classic American beef goulash.
  • I love to serve this Cheesy Beef Goulash recipe with a side of Steamed Brussel Sprouts for an easy weeknight dinner that's not only delicious but also family-friendly.
  • End this perfect weeknight meal with a sweet treat like this No Bake Lemon Icebox Pie. It's tangy and creamy plus you don't have to bake it.

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If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! 

Stockpot filled with cooked goulash with serving spoon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

This easy-to-make cheesy pasta dish is a terrific one pot dinner. Easy on the budget, it's delicious!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 473kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 cups pasta sauce chunky
  • 2 Tablespoons ketchup
  • 1-½ cups water
  • 16 ounces elbow pasta
  • 1 cup frozen Corn
  • 1 cup Colby Jack cheese freshly grated

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Add the ground beef to a large Dutch Oven or similar pot and cook until no pink remains.
  • Drain (if needed).
  • Add the pasta sauce, water and ketchup and stir well. Bring to a boil.
  • Add the elbow pasta, stir well and bring back to a boil.
  • Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the lid to the pot.
  • Cook for 15 minutes.
  • Give a good stir, add the corn and stir well.
  • Sprinkle with the cheese on top. Garnish with a pinch of green onions or parsley (optional).

Nutrition

Calories: 473kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 757mg | Potassium: 735mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 714IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 3mg
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1/8/23 Recipe has been updated and improved from the original version. If you'd like the original recipe email [email protected].

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Heidy@ The McCallums Shamrock Patch

    September 19, 2015 at 7:47 am

    It's been years since I have had a good goulash for dinner, our family used to make it all the time when I was a child...ahhh the memories 🙂 Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos, family, and recipe!
    H

    Reply
  2. Linda (Meal Planning Maven)

    September 15, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    5 stars
    I just loved reading your story...it looks like everyone had such a wonderful time together! And for me, goulash also brings back happy memories of a time gone by...what a perfect comfort dish!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 16, 2015 at 8:57 am

      We did Linda, it was just a blast. Time spent with family is so precious. My folks live far away so I treasure the moments we have! Thanks for the kudos on goulash too. Have a great day!

      Reply
  3. April J Harris

    September 15, 2015 at 10:31 am

    5 stars
    What a wonderful, thick and delicious stew! Your Goulash is definitely comfort food! I love the spices you have used as well. Really enjoyed your photographs of your trip up the coast - how cool to see whales!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 16, 2015 at 8:58 am

      Thanks April and yes seeing the whales was really incredible. Such amazing creatures it was the very best day!

      Reply
  4. Platter Talk

    September 15, 2015 at 8:34 am

    5 stars
    This goulash is a fantastic bowl of savory goodness! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 16, 2015 at 8:59 am

      So love goulash Dan - thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  5. [email protected]

    September 15, 2015 at 7:01 am

    5 stars
    The Oregon coast really is pretty and your goulash looks so comforting.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 16, 2015 at 9:00 am

      Thanks Janette - it was a stunning drive down the coast. So much fun!

      Reply
  6. Jillian @ Food, Folks and Fun

    September 14, 2015 at 9:35 pm

    Goulash is some serious comfort food, your recipe looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 16, 2015 at 9:09 am

      Thanks Jillian 😀

      Reply
  7. Sue Abero

    September 12, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    Love the photos of Ken and Lois--the goulash looks yummy too.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 13, 2015 at 3:41 pm

      Thanks Sue! I have that pic of Mom & Dad hanging in my office, great pic!

      Reply
  8. Rodney

    September 12, 2015 at 1:54 pm

    5 stars
    We make something like that in Wisconsin, it's a good meal before fishing and hunting

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 12, 2015 at 3:02 pm

      I bet so Rodney - good stick to your ribs kinda food!

      Reply
  9. Lois

    September 12, 2015 at 1:33 pm

    This is so good. Love it.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      September 12, 2015 at 1:40 pm

      Me too Mom - just an absolutely favorite!

      Reply

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