RECIPE: One Pot Goulash

To be honest, I have no idea what "real" goulash is, but I'm pretty sure this isn't it, haha. However, this is what I know of "goulash"--it's what my mom used to make when I was a kid. I've always loved it, and it's a serious comfort food.

This is SO fast and easy to make and I love that it's all done in one pot. There are few ingredients, and everyone in the family loves it. It's a go-to recipe when I just don't know what to make, because I usually have the ingredients on hand. I'm surprised I haven't posted it here yet!

Here is a printer-friendly version of the recipe!


One Pot Goulash

Ingredients:

2 tsp. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef (or turkey—I like turkey)
4 cups water
16 oz. pasta (I use whatever shape I have in the panty—even spaghetti that I break in half)*
1 (15 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
2 Tbsp. white sugar**

Directions:

Heat a large skillet over med-high heat and add the olive oil. Add onions, and cook for a minute or two and then add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until the meat is cooked through, and then drain any excess fat.

Add the tomatoes, water, pasta, and sugar (yes, you add the pasta at this time, before it starts boiling).

Bring to a boil, and then cook until pasta is tender and water is absorbed (you may need to add more water—just stir occasionally and test the noodles so you know when it’s done). Makes 6 servings (roughly 1-1/3 cup each).

*It seems odd to add the pasta to the water before it's boiling, but for some reason, that's what makes this dish distinct. It makes the pasta a little gummy (not as bad as that sounds, honest!).

**The sugar is a must in this recipe, too. It makes the sauce just a little sweeter than a typical pasta sauce. And again, it's what makes this "goulash" and not just "pasta with meat sauce" haha.