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.
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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