There is nothing quite like a warm, homemade meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table. This One-Pot American Beef & Macaroni is a classic comfort-food favorite made with tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors while keeping cleanup simple. It is hearty, satisfying, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need an easy dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Whether you grew up eating American goulash or are discovering it for the first time, this simple recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot American Beef & Macaroni
- One-pot convenience: The beef, sauce, and macaroni cook together, meaning fewer dishes to wash.
- Simple ingredients: Made with affordable pantry staples and everyday ingredients.
- Family-friendly: Tender pasta and seasoned ground beef make a comforting combination.
- Easy weeknight dinner: Ready in approximately 35 minutes.
- Great leftovers: The flavors are delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal preparation.
What Is American Beef and Macaroni?
American Beef and Macaroni, often called American goulash, is a comforting pasta dish made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings.
Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, which is typically a slow-cooked stew seasoned with paprika, American goulash is a simple one-pot meal featuring pasta and a tomato-based meat sauce.
Every family has its own version. Some recipes include cheese, while others keep things simple with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni. This version combines familiar ingredients for a hearty homemade dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef: Provides the savory, hearty base of the dish. Choose lean ground beef if you prefer less grease.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor as it cooks with the beef.
- Garlic: Gives the tomato sauce a delicious aromatic flavor.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice because its shape holds the sauce beautifully.
- Tomato sauce: Creates the rich, smooth foundation of the sauce.
- Diced tomatoes: Add texture and extra tomato flavor.
- Beef broth: Helps cook the macaroni while adding savory depth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a delicious savory, slightly tangy flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Brings together familiar herbs that complement the tomato sauce.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the dish to taste.
- Cheddar cheese: Optional, but makes the finished dish extra creamy and cheesy.
- Fresh parsley: An optional garnish that adds a fresh finishing touch.
How to Make One-Pot American Beef & Macaroni
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking the beef into small pieces as it browns.
Once the beef is fully cooked and the onion has softened, drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can give the dish an unpleasant bitter flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 4: Add the Elbow Macaroni
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir well to distribute the pasta throughout the sauce.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the flavorful tomato sauce.
If the mixture becomes too thick before the macaroni is fully cooked, add a little extra beef broth.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Allow the dish to rest for 2–3 minutes so the cheese melts and the sauce settles.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
Choose the right pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small pasta shapes can also work. Cooking times may vary depending on the pasta you choose.
Don’t skip the stirring: Stirring occasionally helps prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Adjust the consistency: If you enjoy a saucier dish, add a little more beef broth. If you prefer a thicker consistency, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Taste before serving: Adjust the salt, pepper, and seasonings according to your preference.
Easy Variations
Make It Extra Cheesy
Stir in additional cheddar cheese or a little mozzarella for a richer, cheesier version.
Add Vegetables
Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can add extra flavor and texture. Cook them with the onion before adding the sauce ingredients.
Add a Little Heat
For a spicy variation, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use Ground Turkey
Ground turkey can replace the ground beef for a different version of this comforting meal. The flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Make It More Savory
Add a little extra Worcestershire sauce or paprika to deepen the flavor of the tomato-based sauce.
What to Serve with American Beef and Macaroni
This hearty one-pot dinner is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce.
- Green salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the beef and pasta.
- Steamed green beans: A simple vegetable side that complements the meal.
- Roasted broccoli: Adds color and a delicious contrast.
- Cornbread: A comforting addition for a traditional family-style dinner.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow the cooked beef and macaroni to cool slightly, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Refrigerate promptly and enjoy within 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of beef broth or water because the macaroni will continue absorbing liquid as it sits. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.
For longer storage, freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container. The pasta may become softer after thawing, but the dish will still be enjoyable. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Beef and Macaroni the Same as American Goulash?
Yes. American Beef and Macaroni is commonly known as American goulash. It is a comforting dish made with ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can prepare the dish ahead and refrigerate it for convenient meals. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb more sauce as it sits. Add a little broth when reheating to restore the consistency.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely. Small pasta shapes such as shells or rotini can work well. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package directions and check for tenderness.
Why Is My Macaroni Too Thick?
Macaroni naturally absorbs liquid while cooking and continues absorbing sauce as it cools. Add a little extra beef broth or water to loosen the mixture.
Can I Leave Out the Cheese?
Yes. Cheddar cheese is optional. The dish is delicious with its tomato and beef sauce even without cheese.
Can I Make It Spicier?
Yes. Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot seasoning to give the dish more heat.
One-Pot American Beef & Macaroni Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender. Add a little extra broth if the mixture becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, if using. Let stand for 2–3 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot American Beef & Macaroni is everything a comforting homemade dinner should be: hearty, flavorful, easy to prepare, and made with simple ingredients.
The tender macaroni, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce come together in one satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy. Best of all, everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup just as easy as preparation.
Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh salad, and enjoy a delicious old-fashioned dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family evenings.