EASY TO COOK

🥘 Cheesy Beef Goulash: Hearty Comfort with a Cheesy Twist! 🧀

by

Introduction:
Dive into a bowl of ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef Goulash! Tender ground beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce meld together and are smothered in melty cheddar cheese. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes

🍳 Cook Time: 40 minutes

⏲ Total Time: 55 minutes

🍽 Servings: 6

🔥 Calories per Serving: ~500 kcal

🥘 Ingredients

  • 🥩 1 lb ground beef
  • 🧅 1 large onion, chopped
  • 🧄 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 🫑 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 🍅 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 🍅 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 🥣 2 cups beef broth (or water)
  • 🌶️ 1 tsp Hungarian paprika
  • 🌿 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 🍝 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 🥄 Optional: 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 🌶️ Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
  • 🌿 Optional garnish: Chopped parsley

📝 Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef:
  • In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until well browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  1. Sauté the Veggies:
  • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper to the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  1. Build the Sauce:
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
  • Add the Hungarian paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Stir in the elbow macaroni, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  1. Cheesy Finale:
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and gooey throughout the goulash.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  1. Serve:
  • Let the goulash sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

🤩 Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Goulash:

  • Ultimate Comfort Food: A hearty, satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out.
  • Cheesy Goodness: The rich, melty cheddar elevates the classic goulash to a whole new level.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal clean-up with everything cooked in a single pot.
  • Family-Friendly: A recipe that’s simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress everyone.

💡 Tips:

  • Flavor Depth: Brown the beef well to develop a deeper, richer flavor.
  • Creamier Texture: For an extra creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
  • Stir Often: Make sure to stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
  • Customize: Adjust the spices to your taste; add a bit more paprika or red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for next-day lunches.

Enjoy your Cheesy Beef Goulash—a heartwarming, cheesy delight that’s sure to satisfy every craving!