Trisha Yearwood Goulash Recipe: One-Pot Hearty Family Favorite

This one-pot wonder brings comfort food to a whole new level. I’ve tested countless variations, but this version nails that perfect balance of hearty beef, tender noodles, and a rich, tomato-based sauce.

It’s the kind of dish that simmers on the stove while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Cleanup? Just one pot—because nobody has time for a sink full of dishes after dinner.

Ingredients for Trisha Yearwood Goulash

One pot, a handful of ingredients, and dinner is ready to impress everyone at the table.

The beef is the foundation here. 80/20 ground chuck gives the right fat content for flavor—leaner blends can dry out. I grab mine from Costco for bulk savings, but any supermarket works. The tomatoes should be good quality; San Marzano if you’re feeling fancy, but standard diced are fine. Don’t drain them—those juices add richness to the sauce.

No elbow macaroni? Any short pasta like rotini or penne works just as well. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth if that’s what you’ve got. Out of Worcestershire? Soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar mimics the tang. The spices can be adjusted—add a dash of cayenne for heat or more paprika for smokiness. Fresh herbs aren’t necessary here; the dried ones do their job perfectly.

This tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheats like a dream—just add a splash of broth if it thickens too much. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy weekend dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Trisha Yearwood Goulash

This one-pot method keeps cleanup simple while delivering rich, hearty flavor in every bite.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef with Aromatics

Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the 1.5 lb Ground Beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat, then add the diced Yellow Onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced 3 cloves Garlic Cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This builds the flavor base for your dish.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Foundation

Add the 2 cans Canned Diced Tomatoes (with juices), 1 can Tomato Sauce, 2 cups Beef Broth, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Sprinkle in the 1 tsp Dried Oregano, 1 tsp Dried Basil, 1 tsp Paprika, 1 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Add the 1 whole Bay Leaf and stir again. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

Stir in the 2 cups Elbow Macaroni, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Check the pasta at 12 minutes—it should be tender but still have a slight bite. If it needs more time, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has thickened into a rich, hearty sauce. The macaroni will absorb much of the broth as it cooks.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the pot from heat. Locate and discard the Bay Leaf—it’s done its job infusing flavor. Give the goulash a final stir and taste for seasoning.

If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of warm water to reach your desired consistency. Let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot in bowls, and watch as this one-pot wonder disappears from the table.

Wine and Beer Pairings for This trisha yearwood goulash

Red Wine Pairings

A medium-bodied Chianti is my top pick, with bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the beef and tomato sauce. The earthy notes complement the paprika and herbs beautifully. I serve it slightly chilled.

Bold Red Options

For a more robust choice, try a Zinfandel from California. Its jammy fruit flavors and peppery finish stand up to the hearty goulash. Primitivo from Italy offers similar character at a better price point.

White Wine Alternatives

If you prefer white, a crisp Pinot Grigio works surprisingly well. The citrus notes refresh your palate between bites. Look for one from Italy or Oregon for the best balance.

Beer Pairings

An American amber lager like Fat Tire matches the dish’s heartiness without overwhelming it. The caramel malt notes complement the tomato base perfectly. Serve at 45-50°F for optimal flavor. 🍺

Dark Beer Options

For beer lovers, a dunkles bock from Germany offers rich maltiness that pairs beautifully. Negra Modelo is my go-to for a more accessible option with similar character. The slight sweetness balances the savory dish.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings

A cold sparkling water with lemon works wonders to cleanse your palate. For something more flavorful, try San Pellegrino Aranciata—its citrus notes complement the tomato sauce wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions