One Pan Goulash

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful one-pan goulash combining ground beef, tender macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet until the meat loses its color.
  2. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, water, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet.
  3. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes until the pasta is cooked and the flavors meld.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic and bell peppers when browning the beef and onions. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey for beef. For a vegetarian option, use lentils or a meat substitute. Adjust the pasta cooking time based on your preference for al dente versus softer noodles, which can be found in many American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve One Pan Goulash with a side salad for a refreshing contrast or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It also pairs well with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for added richness. For a heartier meal, consider complementing it with a serving of Shauna'S Wild Rice Bake for a complete dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent sticking and warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of One Pan Goulash contains roughly 751 calories, with 25g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 895mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).

751 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 25.3g 51% DV
Total Fat 45.6g 58% DV
Carbs 60.4g 22% DV
Fiber 3.8g 13% DV
Sugar 10.2g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 895mg 39% DV
Potassium 620mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 75.5mg 25% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 4.8mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 89.6mg 7% DV
Iron 5mg 28% DV
Diet fit High-protein

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 use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure that the cooking time is adjusted accordingly, as different pasta types may require different cooking durations for optimal texture.

What can I add for extra flavor?

You can enhance the flavor by adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes for heat, or even some diced tomatoes for freshness. A splash of red wine while cooking can also deepen the flavor profile, making it reminiscent of traditional beef recipes.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, One Pan Goulash can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.

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).

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