Easy One-Pot Halloween Goulash Recipe
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, few dishes comfort quite like a warm bowl of goulash. Hearty, savory, and soul-satisfying, it’s the perfect transitional meal as we head into fall and winter. While traditional Hungarian goulash is a robust stew spiced with paprika and filled with chunks of beef and vegetables, its American cousin takes a faster, more weeknight-friendly approach — and we’re here for it.I'm here to share my Easy One-Pot Halloween Goulash Recipe with a twist: we’re substituting ground venison for beef to boost flavor and cut down on fat, and we are opting for fun Halloween-shaped pasta! We’ll also talk about how to store leftovers, variations you can try, and why this great recipe deserves a regular spot in your weeknight rotation.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 lbs. ground deer or lean ground beef, if preferred
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt I prefer Tony's Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (Rotel)
- 2 cups beef broth or water with bouillon
- 2 cups elbow macaroni noodles uncooked (I'm using fun Halloween shapes for this one!)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- Fresh parsley for garnish or basil for extra flavor! optional
Instructions
- First, in a large Dutch oven or deep, large skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat.
- Second, add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
- Third, stir in the garlic powder and cook for another minute.
- Next, Add the ground deer and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned — about 6–8 minutes.
- Then add the remaining ingredients: tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir well.
- Next, bring the mixture to a boil.
- Then, stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Finally, Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot with crusty bread!
Video
Notes
Makes 11 servings (Nutritional information below is for 1 serving = 1 cup)
Calories – 306.9
Protein – 28.5 grams
Carbs – 18.6 grams (net)
Fat – 11.5 grams