This easy Goulash Recipe with Corn is hearty, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, sweet corn, and plenty of melted cheese. A quick, no-fuss dinner that’s perfect for busy nights and sure to be a family favorite every time.
I’ve been making various one-pot pasta recipes, such as creamy chicken pasta, for years now. But when I’m craving classic old-fashioned flavors of my childhood, I always return to this American goulash with corn.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All in one pot: With only one pot, you don’t have to worry about a mountain of dishes after dinner.
- Super filling: This old-fashioned goulash is packed with corn, meat, vegetables, pasta, and cheese, making it a satisfying meal. Serve with Olive Garden breadsticks to make it extra special.
- 45-minute meal: It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s weeknight-friendly, and the whole family will love it.
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Ingredients
- Ground Beef: I prefer lean beef, so you don’t have to drain off tons of grease; however, any type will work.
- Corn: Canned whole kernel corn adds sweetness and texture. Drain it well before adding it. You can also use fresh or frozen corn.
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni cooks up perfectly in the broth and soaks up all that flavor.
- Rotel: Adds just the right amount of tangy flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully, adding that cheesy goodness we all love.
- Slap Ya Mama: This is my go-to seasoning for cheesy beef pasta recipes. If you don’t have it on hand, Cajun seasoning would also be a good substitute.
- Tomato Paste: These create a rich, savory sauce that ties it all together.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Swap the meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage as a substitute for the beef in this hamburger goulash. You could also use beef chunks instead of ground beef for a different texture.
- Make it veggie: Skip the meat, add black beans or kidney beans, and extra veggies.
- Adjust the spice: Add more heat by tossing in more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. Or make it mild by leaving out the jalapeno.
- Try a different cheese: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican blend works great too.
- Try whole wheat pasta: Add some complex carbs to the mix with whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta.
How to Make This Goulash Recipe with Corn
Have you ever wondered how to make goulash? Well, wonder no more. Pull out your skillet, and let me show you how to make this super-easy recipe.
- Step 1: Brown the beef and veggies. Cook your ground beef with the chopped onion, diced jalapeño, and bell pepper. Until they are no longer pink and the veggies are tender.
- Step 2: Add broth and sauces. Add in the beef broth, Rotel, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. And, bring it to a boil.
- Step 3: Stir in corn and pasta. Add the drained corn and then the uncooked macaroni. And cook until the pasta is tender.
- Step 4: Finish with cheese. Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until it’s melted.
- Step 5: Serve. Garnish as desired, and serve alongside lemon asparagus for a whole meal.
Expert Tips
- Drain the beef: Drain the beef well so that your goulash with corn is not overly greasy.
- Finely dice the vegetables: Dice the veggies small so that the pasta and beef really stand out in this dish.
- Freshly shredded cheese: For the best cheese melt, shred your own cheese.
- Stir often: Once you add the pasta, stir the dish often so that the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing ground beef goulash is not recommended, as the pasta’s texture will change and become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or fresh parsley.
- Serve with your favorite garlic bread or a batch of jalapeno popper pull-apart bread.
- Finish with a light dessert, such as this chocolate cream dessert.
American Goulash Recipe FAQs
The main difference is that Hungarian goulash is more like a stew, whereas hamburger goulash with corn is made with pasta.
I recommend using lean ground beef, such as 85/15, so you don’t end up with a greasy dish. However, if you’re using higher-fat beef, be sure to drain the excess fat thoroughly.
Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything except the pasta and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then stir in the pasta during the last 30 minutes and melt the cheese before serving.
Microwave individual servings on medium in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval. You can also reheat larger batches on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Try This Easy Beef Goulash Recipe Today
This delicious one-pot goulash is so easy to make and so delicious. With a combination like that, you can’t go wrong. It comes together so quickly, it makes the perfect weeknight meal, and it’s perfect for leftovers. Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll absolutely love it.
More Delicious Easy Pasta Recipes
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American Goulash Recipe with Corn
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 32 ounce beef broth
- 10.5 ounce can Rotel
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- (2) 15 ounce cans whole kernel corn, drained
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, over medium heat, add ground beef, onions, bell pepper, jalapenos, seasonings, salt and pepper, and cook until meat is no longer pink and vegetables are tender.
- Drain grease and return to the pan.
- Pour beef broth, Rotel, Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste into the pan, stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
- Next, add corn, stir, and then add uncooked macaroni. Stir and cook until pasta is tender.
- Lastly, add shredded cheese, stir.
- Spoon into individual serving bowls and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Drain the beef well: Once the beef is browned, ensure that you drain off the excess fat to keep your sauce rich, not oily.
- Shred your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts way better than the bagged stuff.
- Stir often after adding the pasta: Give it a good stir every couple of minutes so it cooks evenly and doesn’t cling to the bottom of the pot.
[…] Easy One-Pot Goulash – If you love a quick and easy dinner recipe, then this one-pot beef goulash is for you. Delicious, easy to make and full of flavor, this goulash will fast become a family favorite. […]