Busy Day Goulash Skillet
A hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and pasta in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup ⓘ
- 1 large bay leaf
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Place ground beef, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, garlic powder, basil, and chili powder in a large skillet. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off excess fat.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato ketchup, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
- Stir in cooked macaroni and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked macaroni to reduce cooking time. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer more spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition. This dish is a comforting option among American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Busy Day Goulash Skillet hot, optionally topped with grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving it in bell pepper halves for a colorful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Goulash Skillet contains roughly 445 calories, with 24g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), protein (47% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the goulash ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weekdays when you need a quick meal.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time as necessary based on the protein you choose.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can increase the chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the skillet. A teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce can also elevate the flavor for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).