This One Pot Cheesy Goulash is the ultimate comfort food. Made with seasoned ground beef, elbow pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a rich tomato base, this hearty dish is finished with plenty of melty cheddar cheese. Best of all, everything cooks in one pot, making it a family-friendly weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

One Pot Cheesy Goulash

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One pot means easy cooking and easy cleanup.
Hearty, cheesy, and filling—perfect for family dinners.
Fire-roasted tomatoes add depth and a smoky-sweet flavor.
Budget-friendly ingredients that stretch to serve a crowd.
Great for leftovers and meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
2 beef bouillon cubes
1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley
10 ounces elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dried pasta)
8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef with salt and pepper until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until tender. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in beef broth, bouillon cubes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, basil, oregano, and parsley. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in elbow pasta, cover again, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once pasta is al dente, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings
Calories: about 501 kcal per serving

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a leaner option.
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
Try a cheese blend like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a gooey twist.
Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Make it creamier by stirring in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the pasta moist.
Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Freeze cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this goulash ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and is perfect for meal prep.

What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small shells or rotini also work well.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of beef.

Do I need fire-roasted tomatoes?

They add great flavor, but regular diced tomatoes work too.

How can I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while it simmers to keep the pasta from clumping.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot to accommodate everything.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, substitute three times the amount of fresh herbs for dried.

How can I make this spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Cheddar is classic, but a Mexican blend or mozzarella works well too.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

One Pot Cheesy Goulash is a hearty, comforting classic that’s as practical as it is delicious. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a cheesy tomato sauce, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for busy days, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your table.

Olivia