One-Pot Golashes Recipe

Name: One-Pot Golashes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 lb. ground beef; Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper; 1 Tbsp. tomato paste; 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes; 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce; 1¼ cups low-sodium beef broth (plus more as needed); 1 tsp. Italian seasoning; 1 tsp. paprika; 1½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)

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If you need a new easy dinner, this Golashes Recipe (aka goulash with a twist) is pure comfort—saucy, beefy, cheesy, and all made in one pot. It uses pantry staples, is super beginner-friendly, and always disappears fast. Less mess, big flavor, and perfect for busy nights or picky eaters!

Two close-up photos of cheesy American goulash with elbow macaroni and ground beef in rich tomato sauce, perfect for one-pot weeknight meals. Easy homemade dinner idea for fall, winter, and back-to-school.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Golashes Recipe

It’s cozy comfort food—savory beef, saucy pasta, and gooey cheese all in one pot. Easy to make, super flexible, and always a hit for any night of the week—no stress, no fancy skills, just happy eaters!

Ingredient Tips & Swaps

The Essentials

Ground Beef: The classic, but feel free to swap for ground turkey, chicken, or pork if that’s what’s in your fridge.
Tomato Trio: Tomato paste (for richness), diced tomatoes (for juicy pops), and tomato sauce (for that silky base).
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the old-school move, but penne, rotini, or even bowties work if you want to shake things up.
Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey, and un-skippable.

Make It Your Own

Add a handful of chopped bell peppers or carrots with the onions for extra veggie goodness.
No Italian seasoning? Sub in oregano, basil, or just toss in whatever dried herbs you’ve got.
Make it smoky with a pinch of smoked paprika.
Want it spicier? A shake of red pepper flakes does the trick.

Kitchen Gear You’ll Need

Big ol’ skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon (for dramatic pasta-stirring action)
Knife and cutting board

For precise amounts, check the recipe card at the end of the post.

Ingredient Swaps & Fun Add-Ins

Veggie Power: Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach or frozen peas at the end for a hit of green.
Cheese, Please: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack.
Beef Alternatives: Go meatless with plant-based ground “beef” or add cooked lentils for a hearty twist.

Step-By-Step: How To Make Golashes

Ready to flex your one-pot dinner skills? Here’s how the magic happens:

Before You Start

Set out all your ingredients—this recipe moves fast once you start!

Let’s Cook!

1. Sauté the Onion & Garlic

Start by heating your olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cook until it’s nice and soft (about 7 minutes). Add the garlic and let it get fragrant for another minute.

Golden sautéed onions and garlic in a skillet, building deep flavor for a classic comfort food pasta. Perfect starter for easy weeknight goulash.

2. Brown the Beef

Crumble in your ground beef. Sprinkle on a little salt and pepper. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until there’s no pink left (about 6 minutes). If there’s a lot of fat, drain some off, but leave a little for flavor.

Ground beef and onions sizzling in a skillet, ready for a classic one-pot American goulash. Simple steps for cozy homemade dinner.

3. Add the Tomato Goodness

Stir in the tomato paste until it’s coating everything. Dump in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then pour in the beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning and paprika. Now, stir in the macaroni.

Elbow macaroni being added to a pot of rich beef and tomato sauce for a quick, hearty weeknight meal. Perfect family comfort food and meal prep idea.

4. Simmer & Let the Pasta Cook

Bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is nice and thick (about 10–15 minutes). If it’s looking a little dry, splash in more broth.

5. Get Cheesy

Once the pasta is just right, turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar until everything is melty and glorious. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if you want. Sprinkle with parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

Big pot of homemade American goulash with macaroni and ground beef in rich tomato sauce. Crowd-pleasing meal for cold weather and busy weeknights.

The Secret Sauce: Pro Tips for Perfect Golashes

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Start tasting at the 10-minute mark—the pasta keeps cooking a little even after you turn off the heat.
Make It Ahead: This dish reheats like a dream. If the pasta soaks up too much sauce overnight, just add a splash of broth or water before microwaving.
Freeze for Later: Portion out leftovers in airtight containers and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently.

Close-up of cheesy American goulash with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and tomato sauce, topped with parsley. Classic one-pot family dinner, perfect for cozy fall and winter nights.

What To Serve With Golashes

Garlic Bread: For major comfort food vibes, mop up the sauce with a hunk of buttery garlic bread.
Mashed Potatoes: For the ultimate “hibernation” meal, serve over a scoop of mashed potatoes.
Simple Salad: Balance all that cozy richness with a crisp spinach or mixed greens salad.

How To Store & Reheat

Fridge: Keeps in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, then microwave or warm gently on the stove.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions. Thaw in the fridge and reheat, adding a bit more liquid as needed.

Serving Ideas

Top each bowl with extra cheese and fresh parsley.
Scoop into thermoses for the coziest lunchbox surprise.
Serve in big mugs for a movie night treat.

Story Time: Why Golashes Is a Family Favorite

If you ask me, the best recipes are the ones that feel a little bit like home—simple, cozy, and absolutely packed with flavor. This Golashes recipe is the dish my family always requests when everyone’s hungry and nobody wants to wait. It’s the food equivalent of your favorite sweatshirt: warm, comforting, and always a good idea. I’ve made this for last-minute guests, picky eaters, and even as a midnight snack (no judgment). One pot, endless happy faces.

Hearty bowl of cheesy American goulash with tender macaroni and savory ground beef, garnished with parsley. Perfect for fall comfort and back-to-school dinners.

FAQ

How can I make Golashes gluten-free?

Easy! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and check your broth and tomato sauce labels for sneaky gluten. Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks—GF noodles can get soft quickly.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based alternative work just fine. You may need to adjust your seasonings to taste.

My Golashes is too thick—what do I do?

No problem! Just add a splash or two of beef broth or water, stir it in, and watch that sauce loosen right up.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely. Golashes holds up beautifully in the fridge for a few days or in the freezer for up to a month. It’s even better the next day!