Hamburger Helper was a staple in my house growing up — that is, until my very traditional Hungarian grandmother was appalled that my mother was serving me manufactured Americanized goulash. Since then, I’ve eaten it traditionally. Hungarian goulash is a soup or stew of meat, vegetables, and spices whereas the American version is mainly tomato-based with little to no vegetables, packed with elbow macaroni. Like most Americanized foods, it quickly became commercialized and manufactured, and the name changed to Hamburger Helper. I haven’t had goulash, nor Hamburger Helper, in a long time. Recently, though, I had a craving while trying to decide what to cook for dinner for me and my son. Traditional goulash was out of the picture — my 2-year-old would not touch the stuff — but I knew adding pasta would peak his interest. This recipe is quick to make and only uses one pot, perfect for a midweek dinner after a busy day. Bonus, this homemade version is more flavorful and can be adjusted to taste preference. I’m sure my grandmother would not be pleased with me, but maybe when my son is older I’ll introduce him to traditional Hungarian goulash. Until then, we will enjoy the kid-friendly, American version. 

One-Pot Pasta Dinner
Serves 4

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium red onion, chopped
1 pound ground beef
3  cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
1¾ cups tomatoes, diced
1 cup strained tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1¼ cups macaroni or farfalle pasta 

Directions 

1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and beef and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. 
2. Add garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and their juices, tomato sauce, and broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and cook for 5 minutes. 
3. Add pasta and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow pasta to absorb sauce. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.

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