A hearty, one-pot comfort food classic! Tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce simmer together for a nostalgic meal that’s ready in under 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 40 mins
Calories: ~400 per serving | Servings: 6
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef & Aromatics
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Build the Sauce
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Season with basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Add elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir, cover, and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
4. Serve
- Remove from heat. Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Tips for Success
- Pasta swaps: Use shells, rotini, or penne instead of elbow macaroni.
- Extra veggies: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms with the onions.
- Cheesy upgrade: Stir in ½ cup cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Thicker sauce: Let the goulash sit uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Turkey twist: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes.
- Italian flair: Mix in 1 tsp Italian seasoning or fresh basil.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete comfort-food meal!
