This One Pot Goulash is a quick and easy ground beef pasta recipe that can be on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner recipe made with deliciously seasoned ground beef, corn, green pepper, onions, shell pasta, delicious sauce and topped with cheese.

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, super hearty, and loaded with flavor, then look no further. You’ve found it here with my one pot goulash! This is a family favorite that I’ve been making for years and years. In fact, it was one of the first dishes I learned how to make when I started cooking. Of course, over the years, I’ve tweaked the spices, but it’s pretty much the same recipe I learned to make so long ago. This has been a staple in my family through the years because it was so easy for me to make as a busy mom. It’s also a one pot meal, which made it far easier to cajole my kids into doing the dishes after dinner!
I routinely made double batches of this goulash because we all loved it so much, and it was so good reheated for dinner the next day. My kids also dipped into it after school for snacks, so it was definitely a workhorse of a recipe. These days, I still make it every so often for myself and as a dish to bring to potlucks. It’s so hearty and beefy that everyone always loves it.
One Pot Goulash
This delicious one pot meal starts with ground beef, onions, garlic, and bell pepper. I season the mix, then add Rotel, corn, pasta, and cheese. The entire process only takes about half an hour from start to finish, and what I end up with is a beefy noodle dish loaded with flavor and cheesy goodness but not loaded with work. It doesn’t get much better. It’s the perfect dinner for a busy family or to bring to parties and get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Goulash
- It’s a super quick and easy pasta recipe that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- It’s hearty and delicious, and the leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day.
- It can be on the table in 30 minutes from start to finish.
- It’s even kid approved!
Tips
- Don’t cook the noodles past al dente. Noodles, especially noodles in soup, should be tender but still firm.
- Always drain your ground beef, even if you’re using ground sirloin. You’d be surprised at how much grease can be lurking in there.
- Don’t overcook the beef mixture. You want to soften the onions and garlic, not caramelize them.
Variations
- You can make this using ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Try using smoked sausage instead of ground beef.
- You can add other delicious vegetables like beans, green beans, peas, or anything really.
- I use shell pasta, but you can use elbow macaroni, rotini or any short pasta variety you like.
What to Serve with One Pot Goulash
Goulash is a substantial dish, to say the least. So don’t pair it with anything too heavy. I tend to opt for lighter sides like:
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Fruit salad
- Side salad
Recipe FAQ
What is goulash?
There are actually 2 varieties. This recipe is American goulash recipe, which is a dish made from ground beef, tomato sauce, herbs and spices, and macaroni noodles. Traditional Hungarian goulash is a thick meat and vegetable stew with a broth that’s heavily seasoned with paprika.
What gives goulash its flavor?
Traditional goulash gets the bulk of its flavor from paprika which is used heavily in the dish. American goulash gets its flavor from whatever spices the cook chose to put into it, as it’s more of a “use whatever’s on hand” type of dish.
Where does goulash originate?
Traditional goulash is a classic Hungarian dish that originated as a hearty meal for cattle drivers.
How long will leftover goulash last in the fridge?
You can store it for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can you freeze leftover one pot goulash?
Absolutely. Simply pour it into an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to Store and Reheat One Pot Goulash
Store this goulash in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months.
To reheat, place the goulash in a saucepan and heat over medium-low until it’s hot.
One Pot Goulash Ingredients
This delicious comfort food recipe uses simple ingredients that are easily found at your local grocery store. You probably have many of the ingredients in your kitchen right now.
- Ground beef
- Bell pepper
- Onion
- Cloves garlic
- Slap Ya Mama
- Black pepper
- Garlic salt
- Red pepper flakes
- Rotel (tomatoes and green chilies)
- Tomato paste
- Whole kernel corn
- Beef broth
- Medium shell pasta
- Sharp cheddar cheese
How to Make One Pot Goulash
Making this goulash is a snap. The entire recipe is done in about a half hour, and it takes less than a handful of steps to make!
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Cook the beef, bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat until the onions are translucent and the meat is cooked through. Drain the grease and return the beef to the pan.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the seasonings to the beef and stir. Then, add the Rotel and tomato paste, reduce to medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the corn and beef broth and bring to a boil. Finally, add the noodles and cook until al dente. Top with shredded cheese, stir, and enjoy!
Try This Delicious One Pot Goulash Today
This easy, delicious one pot goulash is simple, hearty, and loaded with flavor. It’s done in a snap, and it takes almost zero effort to make. You can’t beat a combination like that! Make a bath of this goulash, and you’ll see what I mean. Be careful, though. Once your family tries it, they’ll be asking for it all the time!
More Delicious One-Pot Meals You’ll Enjoy
One Pot Kielbasa Chili – This hearty and delicious kielbasa chili recipe is super easy to make and is perfect to serve on a cold, chilly night.
One Pot Ham and Noodle Casserole – This is a quick and easy recipe that uses leftover ham. A delicious comfort food recipe the whole family will enjoy.
Cheesy Taco Pasta – Loaded with ground beef, corn, black beans, cheese, elbow macaroni and more, this is a quick dinner recipe that is super easy to make.
And, here is an Broccoli Cheddar Potato Soup from Deliciously Seasoned you are sure to enjoy as well.
One Pot Goulash
Ingredients
- 2 cups shell pasta, uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 10 ounce can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 15 ounce can corn, drained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, cook ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and garlic until onions are translucent and meat is no longer pink.
- Drain grease and return to pan.
- Add seasonings and stir well.
- Pour in Rotel and tomato paste. Stir and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add corn and beef broth. Bring to a boil
- Add noodles and cook until done.
Notes
Nutrition
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