Cozy One Pot American: 15 Min Prep Wonder

Name: Cozy One Pot American: 15 Min Prep Wonder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup frozen corn, optional; 1/4 cup sour cream, optional; Green onions for topping, optional; Hot sauce for serving, optional

by Jannet Lisa

25 de July de 2025

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Cozy One Pot American dinners are my absolute favorite for a reason – they’re the ultimate weeknight heroes! This American Goulash recipe is pure comfort food, the kind that warms you from the inside out. I still remember my mom making a version of this when I was a kid; the smell of the savory beef and tomatoes simmering on the stove was pure magic. It’s one of those truly satisfying meals that makes you feel so good. If you’re looking for genuinely easy one pot American meals that deliver big on flavor without the fuss, you’ve found your winner. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cozy One Pot American

This American goulash is a weeknight dream come true, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

Incredible Flavor: It’s packed with rich, savory, and slightly sweet tomato notes that create a truly comforting taste experience.
Super Speedy Prep: With just about 15 minutes of prep, you’ll be amazed at how fast this comes together.
Wholesome Ingredients: It’s a nourishing meal made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about serving.
Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef and pantry staples makes this an economical choice for feeding the whole family.
Family Favorite: This dish is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, making it a perfect family-friendly option.
Effortless Cleanup: As one of the best easy one pot American dinner options, cleanup is a breeze with only one pot to wash.
Quick Cooking: You can whip up these quick one pot American recipes from start to finish in under an hour.

Ingredients for Cozy One Pot American Goulash

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating a truly rich and satisfying American comfort food one pot meal. The combination of ground beef, tender pasta, and a savory tomato sauce makes this goulash incredibly hearty.

1 lb ground beef – 80/20 or 90/10 works great here
1 large onion, diced – about 1.5 cups, for sweetness and depth
3 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic flavor base
1 bell pepper, diced – any color works, I love red for its sweetness
2 cups elbow macaroni – uncooked, it cooks right in the sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained – provides liquid and texture
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – the backbone of our rich sauce
2 cups beef broth – adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor
2 tablespoons tomato paste – for concentrated tomato flavor
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – adds a savory umami kick
1 tablespoon paprika – classic goulash flavor
1 teaspoon dried oregano – for an herbaceous note
1 teaspoon garlic powder – boosts the garlic flavor
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – adds a lovely smoky depth
Salt and pepper to taste – season as you go!

How to Make Cozy One Pot American Goulash

Creating this delicious and hearty one-pot meal is incredibly straightforward. You’ll love how the aromas fill your kitchen as it simmers, making it a truly satisfying experience.

Step 1: Begin by placing a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. Carefully drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Toss in the 1 large onion, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 bell pepper, diced. Sauté these aromatics until they soften and become fragrant, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing!
Step 3: Now, add the uncooked 2 cups elbow macaroni, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the dry seasonings: 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This combination ensures a wonderfully flavorful base for our simple one pot American dinner.
Step 4: Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let it simmer gently. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the macaroni is perfectly tender and has absorbed enough liquid to create a thick, luscious sauce. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom. This step is key to achieving that wholesome one pot American cooking texture.
Step 5: If you’re adding them, stir in the 1 cup frozen corn during the final 5 minutes of simmering.
Step 6: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking and the sauce has thickened beautifully, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the goulash becomes wonderfully creamy and cheesy.
Step 7: Serve this delightful Cozy One Pot American goulash hot. For an extra touch, you can top it with optional garnishes like 1/4 cup sour cream, chopped green onions, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Pro Tips for the Best Cozy One Pot American

Want to elevate your Cozy One Pot American goulash from good to absolutely phenomenal? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. These tips will help you achieve perfect results every time, ensuring a meal that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying.

Don’t overcrowd the pot when browning the beef; cook it in batches if necessary for a good sear.
Taste and adjust seasonings before adding the cheese – salt, pepper, and even a pinch of sugar can balance the tomato flavor.
Let the goulash rest for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the heat before stirring in the cheese. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the cheese to melt more evenly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can uncover the pot during the last 5 minutes of simmering or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water).

What’s the secret to perfect Cozy One Pot American Goulash?

The real secret lies in building layers of flavor. Properly browning the ground beef first, then sautéing the aromatics until fragrant, creates a solid foundation. Achieving the right sauce consistency comes from using the correct ratio of liquids to pasta and simmering until tender. For more on building flavor, check out these tips on flavor development.

Can I make Cozy One Pot American Goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of adding the cheese, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, then stir in the cheese until melted.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cozy One Pot American Goulash?

A common pitfall is overcooking the pasta, leading to mushiness. Make sure to stir occasionally and cook only until al dente. Another mistake is a watery sauce; ensure you’re not adding too much extra liquid and allow it to simmer uncovered if needed to thicken. Learning about proper pasta cooking can help prevent this; see how to cook pasta perfectly.

Best Ways to Serve Cozy One Pot American Goulash

This hearty goulash is a complete meal on its own, but serving it with a few simple sides really makes it shine. It’s a fantastic option for a family friendly one pot meal that everyone will enjoy. For a touch of freshness, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is also a wonderful complement; it’s perfect for soaking up any extra bits of that delicious sauce! You can find great bread recipes to pair with this dish.

Nutrition Facts for Cozy One Pot American Goulash

This hearty American goulash is a satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving, based on the recipe yielding 6-8 portions:

Calories: 450-550
Fat: 20-30g
Saturated Fat: 8-12g
Protein: 25-35g
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Fiber: 4-6g
Sugar: 10-15g
Sodium: 800-1200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and optional additions. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, consult resources like the FDA’s guide.

How to Store and Reheat Cozy One Pot American Goulash

One of the best things about this Cozy One Pot American goulash is how easily it fits into a busy schedule, even after cooking. As a truly low effort one pot American food, storing and reheating is just as simple as making it. Once the goulash has cooled down completely, transfer it into airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners later in the week. If you want to store it even longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze. On the stovetop, gently warm it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the goulash seems a little thick after chilling, just add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up before heating. This is a great example of how versatile one-pot meals can be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cozy One Pot American Goulash

Can I make a vegetarian version of this Cozy One Pot American Goulash?

Yes, you absolutely can! To create a vegetarian one pot American stew recipe, simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground alternative or a hearty mix of lentils and finely chopped mushrooms. You’ll still get that amazing flavor and comforting texture.

What makes this one of the best one pot American meals?

This dish truly shines because it’s incredibly flavorful, requires minimal cleanup, and is so adaptable. The combination of savory beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce creates a classic comfort food experience that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s simple enough for even novice cooks! For more inspiration on easy meals, explore these family dinner ideas.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after cooking the pasta, don’t worry! You can easily thicken it by letting the goulash simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering goulash until it thickens.

Can I add other vegetables to my Cozy One Pot American Goulash?

Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or zucchini along with the bell pepper. Just make sure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces so they cook through in time.

Variations of Cozy One Pot American Goulash You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, don’t be afraid to get creative! This Cozy One Pot American goulash is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists. If you’re looking for more one pot American pasta dishes or want to cater to different dietary needs, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Lentil Goulash: Swap the ground beef for 1.5 cups of brown or green lentils. Cook the lentils with the aromatics and then add all the liquids and pasta. It’s a hearty and wholesome vegetarian option.
Slow Cooker Adaptation: Brown the beef and sauté the vegetables as usual, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add the uncooked pasta and liquids, stir well, and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until pasta is tender.
Spicy Kick: For a bit more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper. A swirl of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce at the end also works wonders!
Creamy Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and bell peppers for an earthy, savory depth that complements the rich tomato sauce beautifully.

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