Cheesy Baked Goulash

Cheesy Baked Goulash

When you need an easy dinner recipe that will please the whole family, try whipping up some old-fashioned goulash! Everyone loves this hodgepodge of macaroni noodles, ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and seasonings!

This easy goulash recipe is full of flavor and the perfect way to feed a crowd as it makes a huge batch! A simple skillet dinner with tomatoes, beef, and macaroni noodles in a zesty tomato sauce creates the perfect comfort food on a budget!

Goulash is a soup or stew of meat, usually seasoned with paprika and other spices. Originating from medieval Hungary, goulash is a popular meal predominantly eaten in Central Europe but also in other parts of Europe.

We make goulash for dinner all the time, and although I’m sure we have a very American version of the recipe, we wanted to make sure we shared our Cheesy Beef Goulash recipe with you today – because it’s delicious! 🙂

A classic dinner recipe that is loved by all. Filled with meat, cheese, seasonings, and macaroni, this recipe is sure to become as loved as Beef Stroganoff and Pot Roast.

And don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Baked Goulash is a comfort food classic, bursting with hearty flavors and satisfying textures. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and makes for great leftovers!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Pot for boiling pasta
  • 2-quart casserole dish
  • Oven
  • Stirring spoon

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2/3 cup chopped onion
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 cup dry elbow macaroni pasta
  • 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce (or 2 8-ounce cans)
  • 1 jar homemade canned tomatoes diced, or 1 can low-sodium diced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and set a pot of water on to boil for the pasta.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onions. Season with black pepper and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking, then drain any excess grease.
  3. Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni and cook until just before al dente, then drain and set aside.
  4. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, oregano, basil, and parsley to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until melted. Then, add the cooked macaroni and mix well.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with oil. Top with mozzarella cheese.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes. Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Make sure to cook the pasta just before it reaches al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Add more pepper or herbs if desired.

Additional Tips and Variations

  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or substitute some of the cheddar cheese with pepper jack.
  • Mix in vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dish is rich in protein thanks to the ground beef and cheese, and also provides a good amount of carbohydrates from the pasta. It’s a satisfying meal that can fit into a balanced diet when paired with a fresh salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any short pasta like penne or fusilli.

Q: Can this dish be frozen?
A: Yes, it freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the freezer.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and eating this Cheesy Baked Goulash as much as we do! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you add to the recipe. Happy cooking!

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