What happens when Hungary’s most beloved comfort food meets your busy weeknight needs? You get this incredible One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash that transforms simple ingredients into pure magic. This Beef Goulash Recipe delivers all the rich, paprika-forward flavors of traditional Hungarian cooking while cutting prep time in half.
While classic goulash traditionally simmers for hours, this modern take achieves the same soul-warming satisfaction in just 30 minutes. Moreover, the one-pot method means fewer dishes and maximum flavor concentration. Consequently, you’ll have more time to enjoy dinner with your family instead of scrubbing endless pots.
This Hungarian Goulash Inspired dish combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a savory tomato base that clings beautifully to every bite. Furthermore, the addition of melted cheese creates an irresistible comfort factor that appeals to both kids and adults. As a result, this Family Comfort Food will quickly become your go-to solution for satisfying hungry crowds without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
This Ground Beef Pasta Goulash requires simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack maximum flavor punch:
Protein & Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta & Liquid:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or penne pasta
- 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Touches:
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Smart Substitutions:
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option
- Use gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce calories
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables
Timing
This Easy One Pot Dinner fits perfectly into your busy schedule:
| Phase | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Notably, this timeline represents a 40% reduction compared to traditional stovetop goulash recipes. Additionally, the streamlined process means you can start cooking when you walk in the door and have dinner ready before anyone gets too hungry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. The beef should develop a nice brown crust for maximum flavor development. Subsequently, season with salt and pepper while cooking.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base
Push the browned beef to one side of the pot and add diced onions to the cleared space. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This technique prevents the garlic from burning while building layers of flavor.
Step 3: Add the Spice Blend
Stir in both types of paprika, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices and release their essential oils. This step is crucial for developing the characteristic Hungarian flavors that make this Classic Goulash Dinner so special.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
Add tomato paste and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw tomato flavor. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These caramelized bits add incredible depth to your Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Liquid
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Cream
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Then, fold in the sour cream gently to avoid curdling. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning as needed before garnishing with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information
This Quick Dinner Recipe provides substantial nutrition in every serving:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (6 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Iron | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 18% DV |
The high protein content makes this dish particularly satisfying, while the combination of carbohydrates and fats provides sustained energy. Additionally, the paprika contributes vitamin A and antioxidants that support immune function.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Family Comfort Food to meet various dietary needs:
Reduce Calories:
- Use 93/7 lean ground beef to cut 80 calories per serving
- Replace full-fat cheese with reduced-fat varieties
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream
Increase Vegetables:
- Add 1 cup diced bell peppers with the onions
- Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes
- Include 1 cup frozen peas for extra fiber and color
Lower Sodium Options:
- Use no-salt-added diced tomatoes and broth
- Replace half the cheese with nutritional yeast
- Add extra herbs and spices for flavor without sodium
Gluten-Free Adaptations:
- Substitute chickpea or lentil pasta for extra protein
- Use corn-based pasta for traditional texture
- Try shirataki noodles for a low-carb version
Serving Suggestions
Present this Hungarian Goulash Inspired meal in appealing ways:
Classic Presentation:
Serve in deep bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh parsley. Add a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Family-Style Options:
Transfer to a large serving dish and let everyone help themselves. Provide small bowls of additional toppings like extra cheese, chopped green onions, or hot sauce.
Meal Prep Friendly:
Portion into individual containers for easy weekday lunches. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator.
Special Occasion Twist:
Garnish with crispy fried onions and serve alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent these frequent errors when making this Beef Goulash Recipe:
Overcooking the Pasta:
Since the pasta continues cooking in the hot sauce, aim for slightly firmer than al dente. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and absorbs too much liquid.
Skipping the Spice Blooming:
Many home cooks add spices directly without cooking them first. However, blooming paprika and other spices for 30 seconds dramatically improves flavor depth.
Adding Cheese While Hot:
Adding cheese to a boiling pot causes it to seize and become grainy. Always remove from heat before stirring in dairy products.
Using Too Much Liquid:
The pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks, but adding too much broth creates a soupy consistency instead of a hearty stew.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Maximize freshness and safety with proper storage techniques:
Refrigerator Storage:
Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. This Ground Beef Pasta Goulash keeps for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store in shallow containers for faster cooling and more even reheating.
Freezer Storage:
Freeze portions for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Leave 1-inch headspace to allow for expansion. Label with date and contents for easy identification.
Reheating Instructions:
Add 2-3 tablespoons of broth or water when reheating to restore moisture. Heat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Microwave reheating works but may require additional liquid.
Meal Prep Tips:
Cook pasta slightly less than directed if preparing for later consumption. The pasta will finish cooking during reheating without becoming mushy.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Ground Beef Goulash proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. In just 35 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality Easy One Pot Dinner that satisfies the whole family while keeping cleanup to a minimum. The combination of savory beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese creates an irresistible meal that works for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with healthier alternatives, this versatile dish adapts to your family’s preferences and dietary needs. Try this Quick Dinner Recipe tonight and discover why one-pot meals are taking over family dinner tables everywhere. Share your results in the comments below and let us know how you customized this Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta to make it your own!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Classic Goulash Dinner up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore moisture.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or shells work perfectly because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the one-pot method.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While canned tomatoes provide consistent flavor and texture, you can substitute 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. However, you may need to add extra liquid and cooking time.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming stringy?
Remove the pot completely from heat before adding cheese, and stir gently. Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded also helps create a smoother texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Family Comfort Food meal preps beautifully. Divide into portions and store for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for busy weeks.
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