Description
Craving a cozy and satisfying dinner that comes together in one pot? This comforting ground beef goulash is your answer. Loaded with tender elbow macaroni, rich tomato flavor, and hearty ground beef, it’s a flavorful favorite for busy weeknights. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, a hearty family meal, or a nostalgic twist on a classic, this easy recipe checks every box. Great for leftovers, freezer-friendly, and endlessly comforting—it’s a go-to dinner idea that delivers every time.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the uncooked macaroni, stir well, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
5. Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use lean ground beef (90/10) to prevent excess grease and keep the dish lighter.
For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup shredded cheese at the end before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy recipe, goulash, dinner ideas, quick dinner, one-pot meal, ground beef, comfort food