How can I make this goulash recipe more saucy?

If you prefer more liquid, add an extra cup of broth, water, or tomato sauce.

Can I make this in the crockpot?

Yes! Brown the ground beef first, then add it to your slow cooker with the other ingredients and stir. Cook on high for 1 to 2 hours or low for 3 to 4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes and cook until tender.

Can I make this into a freezer meal?

Yes, place in an 8x8" metal tin and wrap with foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then cook at 350°F for 30-45 minutes, or until hot.

Quick One-Pot Beef And Pasta Goulash

Name: Quick One-Pot Beef and Pasta Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes; 1 cup frozen corn; 1 (15-ounce) can beef or chicken broth; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 1/2 cups dry elbow noodles; Salt, to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste; 1 bay leaf, optional; Shredded cheddar cheese, optional; Fresh basil or parsley, optional

This one-pot meal combines ground beef and pasta in a savory tomato sauce for a fast dinner. It takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an efficient choice for busy weeknights.

List of ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef – provides the main protein base.
1/2 cup chopped onion – adds aromatic sweetness.
1 bell pepper, chopped – provides color and mild flavor.
2 teaspoons minced garlic – adds depth to the sauce.
1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt – such as Lawry’s, for foundational seasoning.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – plus more to taste, for herbal notes.
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – plus more to taste, for umami flavor.
1 (15-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes – adds texture and acidity.
1 cup frozen corn – adds sweetness and a pop of color.
1 (15-ounce) can beef or chicken broth – use an extra cup for a soupier consistency.
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce – creates the smooth base of the sauce.
1 1/2 cups dry elbow noodles – the classic pasta choice.
Salt – added to taste.
Ground black pepper – added to taste.
Bay leaf – optional, for a subtle herbal undertone.
Shredded cheddar cheese – optional, for a melted topping.
Fresh basil or parsley – optional, for a fresh garnish.

step-by-step instructions

Brown the base: In a large pot, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the meat is browned. Drain any excess grease from the pot if necessary.
Sauté seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to release the aromatics.
Simmer the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, frozen corn, and broth. Season with salt and pepper and add the bay leaf if using. Bring the liquid to a light simmer.
Cook the pasta: Stir in the dry elbow noodles and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring halfway through to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Final touches: Season to taste. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover for 1 minute until melted. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Protein Alternatives for Different Diets

Swap Ground Beef for Ground Turkey for a Leaner Meal

Ground turkey is a great alternative that reduces the overall fat content. Since turkey is leaner, you may need to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pot to ensure the onions and peppers sauté correctly.

Use Ground Chicken for a Milder Flavor

Ground chicken provides a lighter taste that allows the tomato and herbal seasonings to stand out more. It cooks quickly and pairs well with the corn and bell peppers in the recipe.

Incorporate Beef-Based Italian Sausage for Bold Taste

Replacing ground beef with beef-based Italian sausage adds a spicy, savory dimension to the dish. If the sausage is highly seasoned, reduce the amount of added seasoned salt to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

Vegetable Enhancements for Added Nutrition

Add Sliced Carrots for Natural Sweetness

Finely diced carrots can be added at the same time as the onions and peppers. They provide a subtle sweetness and add more beta-carotene to the meal.

Stir in Diced Celery for Extra Aromatics

Celery adds a classic aromatic base and a slight crunch to the sauce. It is best to sauté the celery with the onions to soften the texture before adding the liquids.

Incorporate Fresh Mushrooms for Earthy Depth

Chopped mushrooms contribute a meaty texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Brown them with the ground beef to ensure they release their moisture and develop a deep color.

Use Baby Spinach for a Nutrient Boost

Stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach during the last minute of cooking. The residual heat will wilt the greens without overcooking them, adding iron and vitamins to the dish.

Swap Corn for Green Peas

Frozen peas are a great alternative to corn if you prefer a different texture. Add them at the same step as the corn to maintain their bright green color.

Pasta Selection and Substitutions

Use Small Shells to Capture More Sauce

Small pasta shells act like tiny scoops, holding more of the tomato sauce in every bite. They cook in roughly the same time as elbow noodles.

Try Penne for a Sturdier Texture

Penne is a better choice if you prefer a firmer bite or plan to reheat the dish multiple times. Because they are larger, you may need to add an extra quarter cup of broth to ensure they cook through.

Substitute Whole Grain Noodles for Extra Fiber

Whole grain elbow pasta increases the fiber content of the meal. Note that whole grain pasta often requires 2-3 minutes of additional simmering time compared to white pasta.

Choose Gluten-Free Pasta for Dietary Restrictions

Brown rice or corn-based pasta works well in this one-pot method. Be careful not to overcook gluten-free noodles, as they can become mushy more quickly than traditional wheat pasta.

Adjusting the Sauce Texture

Increase Broth for a Soupier Consistency

If you prefer a dish that resembles a thick stew rather than a pasta bake, add an extra cup of beef broth. This creates more liquid and makes the dish easier to serve in bowls.

Stir in Sour Cream for a Creamy Finish

Adding a dollop of sour cream at the very end of cooking creates a rich, creamy sauce. This balances the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the goulash a velvety texture.

Reduce Liquid for a Thicker Sauce

To achieve a denser sauce that clings tightly to the noodles, simmer the sauce for 5 minutes without the lid before adding the pasta. This evaporates some of the water and concentrates the flavor.

Flavor Profile Customizations

Add Red Pepper Flakes for a Spicy Kick

For those who enjoy heat, stir in a half-teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic. This adds a consistent warmth throughout the entire pot.

Use Smoked Paprika for a Woodsy Aroma

Smoked paprika is a traditional ingredient in European goulash and works well here. Adding one teaspoon provides a deep, smoky flavor that complements the beef perfectly.

Enhance the Umami with Extra Worcestershire Sauce

Adding an extra tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce deepens the savory notes of the beef. This is especially useful when using leaner meats like turkey or chicken.

Recommended Side Dish Pairings

Serve with Toasted Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce. Slice a baguette, spread with garlic butter, and broil until golden brown.

Pair with a Crisp Garden Salad

A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. Use mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes for a balanced meal.

Accompany with Honey Cornbread

The sweetness of cornbread complements the savory and acidic notes of the goulash. Serve it warm with a pat of butter on the side.

Storage and Preservation Tips

Refrigerate in Airtight Containers

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the dish is cooled slightly before sealing to prevent excess condensation.

Freeze in Metal Tins for Long-Term Storage

Place portions in a foil-covered metal tin and store them in the freezer. This method preserves the flavor and makes it easy to reheat the entire block in the oven.

Thaw Frozen Goulash Safely

Move the frozen tin to the refrigerator overnight to thaw slowly. This prevents the pasta from breaking apart and ensures even heating during the final cook.

Effective Reheating Methods

Warm in the Microwave with Extra Liquid

When microwaving, add a splash of water or broth to the bowl to prevent the noodles from drying out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to distribute the heat.

Reheat on the Stove for Best Texture

Place the goulash in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a tablespoon of water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Bake in the Oven for a Cheesy Crust

Transfer leftovers to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F until bubbly. This method refreshes the texture and creates a delicious melted topping.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Preventing Mushy Pasta

Avoid overcooking the noodles by checking them 2 minutes before the timer expires. If you are meal prepping, slightly undercook the pasta so it finishes cooking during the reheating process.

Fixing a Bland Sauce

If the dish lacks flavor, add a pinch more seasoned salt or a teaspoon of tomato paste. A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the flavors and balance the salt.

Managing Excess Grease

If the beef releases too much fat, use a spoon to skim the oil off the top before adding the liquids. You can also pat the browned meat with paper towels to remove excess grease.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this goulash more saucy?

Add an additional cup of beef broth, water, or tomato sauce before adding the noodles. This ensures there is enough liquid to keep the dish moist after the pasta absorbs the sauce.

Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef and vegetables first, then add them to the crockpot with all other ingredients except the noodles. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours, adding the noodles during the last 30 minutes.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, any small shape like macaroni, shells, or rotini will work. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta package instructions, as some shapes take longer to soften.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Simply omit the shredded cheddar cheese topping. The base of the goulash is naturally dairy-free, so you can still enjoy the full flavor of the beef and tomato sauce.