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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!