Table of Contents
- Why This Ground Beef Recipe Is a Keeper
- Making Dinner Easy with One-Pot Meals
- The Comfort Food Magic of a Classic Goulash
- How to Make This Simple Family Dinner
- Serving Suggestions and Leftover Ideas
- Other Easy Weeknight Meals You’ll Love
- Recipe Card
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This American-style Easy Goulash is your secret weapon for a stress-free, delicious family dinner. It’s a classic one-pot dinner that cooks everything—savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce—together in a single pot, meaning less cleanup and more flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you crave hearty comfort food without the fuss.
Why This Ground Beef Recipe Is a Keeper
Hi, I’m Patricia! Over at Patricia Universe, I’m all about creating recipes that fit real life. This easy goulash recipe with ground beef has earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation, and I think it will in yours, too. It’s one of those easy recipes with ground beef that delivers maximum satisfaction for minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is forgiving, flexible, and always a hit.
Making Dinner Easy with One-Pot Meals
If there’s one thing that can make a weeknight feel overwhelming, it’s the thought of a pile of dirty dishes. That’s why I’m a huge advocate for one-pot dinner solutions. This easy goulash recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly. From browning the beef to simmering the pasta, everything happens in one Dutch oven or large pot. You get layers of flavor as the pasta cooks directly in the savory sauce, and you’re left with just one pot to wash. It’s the kind of simple, smart cooking that makes getting a wholesome meal on the table truly achievable any night of the week.
The Comfort Food Magic of a Classic Goulash
There’s something deeply comforting about a steaming bowl of goulash. This version, with its tender elbow macaroni and hearty tomato-based sauce, is pure nostalgia in a bowl. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe—hearty, familiar, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table feel cared for. The aroma alone as it simmers is enough to gather the family in the kitchen. It’s more than just food; it’s a warm hug at the end of a long day.
How to Make This Simple Family Dinner
You don’t need any special skills to master this meal. The process is straightforward: brown your aromatics and beef, build your sauce, and let the pasta cook right in the pot. The beauty of this easy weeknight meal lies in its simplicity. While the exact measurements and steps are in the recipe card below, the core concept is about building flavor in one vessel. It’s a fantastic, hands-on recipe for teaching older kids to cook, too!
Serving Suggestions and Leftover Ideas
This goulash is wonderfully hearty on its own, but I love serving it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese and fresh parsley on top makes it extra special. As for leftovers, they might be the best part! This dish reheats beautifully, making it a perfect family dinner option for meal prep. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, so lunch the next day is something to look forward to. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Other Easy Weeknight Meals You’ll Love
If this easy recipes with ground beef becomes a favorite in your home, you’re in good company! On Patricia Universe, I have a whole collection of quick and easy recipes for dinner designed for busy lives. From skillet meals to slow cooker wonders, there’s always a new simple and easy dinner recipe to discover. Be sure to browse the site for more inspiration to keep your weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.
Easy Goulash Recipe with Ground Beef and Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper (if using) until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
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