One Pot American Goulash

This Cheesy One Pot American 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!

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. This is a very American version of the recipe, not to be confused with a traditional goulash.

✔️ 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.

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 

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

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.

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.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Soup - hearty and delicious it has all the flavor of your favorite burger.
• 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.

Do you still have some ground beef to use? Check out these easy Ground Beef and Zucchini recipes.

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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