This one-pot goulash for two is hearty, simple, and made with affordable pantry ingredients. Cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup, it’s a quick, comforting dinner perfectly portioned for two.
This recipe is part of the Budget Comfort Food for Two collection, where you’ll find simple crockpot meals designed for couples and small households.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Goulash for Two
- Made in One Pot – Less cleanup and less hassle.
- Perfectly Portioned for Two – No oversized batch or waste.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Ground beef, pasta, and pantry staples.
- Quick Weeknight Meal – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Hearty and Comforting – Classic flavors that feel homemade and satisfying.
- Servings: 2 generous servings (often with leftovers)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: About 25 minutes
Ingredients for One-Pot Goulash for Two
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ jar or ½ can spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
How to Make One-Pot Goulash for Two
- In a medium saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease and set meat aside.
- In the same pot, add water and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook to al dente, stirring occasionally so pasta cooks evenly.
- When pasta is almost done, stir in the cooked ground beef and spaghetti sauce.
- Continue cooking until the macaroni reaches your preferred tenderness. Adjust consistency with a little extra water if needed.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
Medium Saucepan or Dutch Oven – one pot keeps cleanup easy
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Meat Chopper – breaks ground meat quickly and evenly
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Colander – for draining meat or pasta if desired
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Cooking Spoon – for stirring and combining
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Options & Variations
- Soupier or thicker: Leave some cooking water for a goulash-style soup, or drain for a thicker, spaghetti-style dish.
- Protein swaps: Use ground sausage for more flavor or ground turkey for extra savings.
- Add-ins: Onion, bell peppers, frozen mixed vegetables, or extra seasoning all work well.
- Serving idea: Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Budget Breakdown for Two
- Made with ground beef: $1.50
- Made with ground turkey: $1.00
- Using meat-flavored spaghetti sauce: $1.28
- Total: Approximately $3–4 for two servings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well and keeps the recipe lighter while still flavorful.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.okqy
Can I freeze goulash?
Yes, allow it to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
This recipe is part of our Budget Comfort Food for Two collection.
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