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- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 2 cups beef broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices) - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 tablespoons tomato paste The main ingredients create a rich base for your goulash. Ground beef or turkey gives the dish its heartiness. The onion and garlic add depth and flavor. Bell pepper brings a sweet crunch. - 2 teaspoons paprika - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste Spices transform your dish into something special. Paprika adds warmth and a hint of sweetness. Oregano and basil introduce an earthy element. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your taste. - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish Optional add-ins can elevate your meal. Cheese makes it creamy and rich, while parsley adds a fresh touch. You can mix and match flavors to your liking. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions! First, you need to brown the ground beef or turkey. Use a large pot or Dutch oven for this. Heat it over medium heat. Add the meat and break it apart with a spoon. Cook it for 5 to 7 minutes until it's no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary. This step gives your goulash a rich flavor. Next, it's time to add the vegetables. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onion to look translucent. Then, add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. This softens the pepper and adds sweetness to your dish. Now, let's mix in the other ingredients. Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Then add the elbow macaroni, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine. This mixture creates a hearty base for your goulash. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. After that, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta to cook al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm. This adds the right texture to your goulash. Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if you want it extra creamy. Mix until the cheese melts and blends well. Taste your goulash and adjust the seasoning if necessary. This is where you make it just right for your taste buds. Enjoy this easy one pot goulash! You can find the Full Recipe for more detailed steps. To ensure your pasta doesn’t overcook, keep an eye on the time. Elbow macaroni cooks quickly. I recommend stirring it every few minutes as it simmers. This helps it cook evenly. Check for doneness after about 15 minutes. The pasta should be firm but tender. You can boost the flavor of your goulash with extra spices. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne for heat. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can add depth. You might also try a teaspoon of Italian seasoning for a twist. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also brighten the dish. Don’t forget to taste as you go! Goulash pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad works perfectly to balance the richness. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a fun twist, offer some garlic bread on the side. Top your goulash with fresh parsley for a pop of color and taste. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this goulash. Ground chicken is a great choice. It gives a lighter flavor. You can also try plant-based options. Crumbled tofu or lentils work well. They add protein without meat. These swaps keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Adding more veggies makes this dish even better. Zucchini is a fun choice. It cooks quickly and adds great texture. Corn also brings sweetness and color. You can toss in spinach for some greens. Don't be shy about using what you have. Extra veggies make it colorful and healthy. If you're looking for a lighter meal, reduce the sodium. Use low-sodium beef broth instead. Whole grain pasta is another smart swap. It adds fiber and nutrients. You can also skip the cheese if you'd like. These small changes keep the dish delicious and healthy. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To store leftovers in the fridge, let the goulash cool. Use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just take it out and reheat. Freezing goulash is easy. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat goulash, use a pot on low heat. Stir it often to prevent sticking. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the texture nice. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or water. Enjoy your goulash just like when it was fresh! Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the goulash and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This makes it great for busy weeknights. If you do not have elbow macaroni, try other pasta types. Penne, fusilli, or shells work well. Choose any pasta you like. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. To make this recipe vegetarian, swap the ground beef or turkey for plant-based meat. You can also use lentils or mushrooms for a hearty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This keeps all the rich flavors while being meat-free. The total cooking time is around 30 minutes. You need 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. Then, cook everything for about 20 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for a weeknight meal. Absolutely! You can add more vegetables to boost nutrition. Try diced zucchini, corn, or carrots. Spinach is a great addition too. Just add them when you mix in the broth and tomatoes. This way, they cook well and blend with the flavors. In this article, we explored how to make goulash, focusing on key ingredients and steps. We discussed main ingredients like ground beef, onions, and elbow macaroni. Plus, we shared tips for perfect texture and flavor. In conclusion, you can easily customize goulash to fit your taste. Try different proteins and add veggies for a healthier dish. With proper storage, you can enjoy leftovers too. Now, you have a simple guide to make this comforting meal anytime.

Easy One Pot Goulash

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty One-Pot Goulash recipe! Packed with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a medley of spices, this dish is easy to make and perfect for family dinners. With just one pot to clean, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Click to explore the full recipe and bring warmth to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

2 cups beef broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons tomato paste

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

    Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

      Stir in the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to soften.

        Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (including the juices), and add the elbow macaroni, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

          Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed some of the liquid.

            If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.

              Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

                Remove from heat, serve hot, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings