One-Pot Beef and Macaroni Goulash

PostpartumAmericanEasyServes 230 min

A simple, hearty mix of ground beef, soft macaroni noodles, and a mild tomato sauce cooked together in one pan.

This comforting, one-pot dish pairs iron-rich ground beef with vitamin C from tomatoes, acting as a crucial combination to help the mother's body absorb the iron needed to replenish blood volume after birth. The steady complex carbohydrates and hearty protein provide substantial, sustained energy for the incredibly demanding first weeks of healing and nursing. Importantly, it is an easy-to-digest, soft meal that can be comfortably eaten with a spoon in one hand while holding a newborn.

View Nutrition Facts

One serving≈950 kcal · 50 g protein

Calories950 kcal

Protein50 g

Carbs46 g · 9.6g sugar

Fat66 g · 25.9g sat

Fiber7.1 g

Sodium2,107 mg

Folate62 mcg DFE

Iron7.6 mg

Calcium338 mg

Choline144 mg

Iodine81 mcg

Vitamin D23 IU

Vitamin B124.1 mcg

Zinc9.7 mg

from its ingredients

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
½ yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz ground beef
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp italian seasoning
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 ½ cups dry whole wheat pasta
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 oz shredded cheddar cheese

Method

1Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
3Stir in the smoked paprika, italian seasoning, and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
4Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), whole wheat pasta, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.
6Remove from heat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and cover for 2 minutes to let the cheese melt. Serve warm in bowls.

Plan and shop this meal

Tell us where you are in your journey and we’ll match meals like this to your days — free.

Start free