Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Most components are pantry staples, making this dish both convenient and budget-friendly.
- One-Pot Wonder: Aside from boiling the pasta, everything comes together in one skillet, minimizing cleanup.
- Cheesy Goodness: The addition of melted cheddar cheese provides a rich, comforting flavor that appeals to all ages.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild flavors make it a hit with children, yet it’s versatile enough to spice up for adults.
- Great for Leftovers: Goulash often tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven and Cook the Macaroni
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 3 minutes less than the package directions to keep it al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef and Onions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are translucent.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well to combine.
- Season the Sauce
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese
- Stir the drained macaroni into the beef mixture, coating the pasta in the sauce.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.
- Bake the Goulash
- If your skillet is oven-safe, bake the goulash directly in the skillet; otherwise, transfer to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors with your family or guests.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Goulash: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicier version.
- Vegetarian Goulash: Substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative or increase the amount of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
- Mexican Twist: Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and add a can of corn and black beans for a Tex-Mex version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra sauce or water to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: This goulash freezes well. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What is the origin of goulash?
Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew, but the American version is a simplified adaptation featuring ground beef, pasta, and tomato-based sauce.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini or penne can be used as a substitute for elbow macaroni.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the goulash ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve.
What sides pair well with goulash?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or pickled vegetables complement the rich flavors of goulash.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Undercook the pasta slightly before baking to ensure it remains al d
Old-fashioned goulash
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Old-fashioned goulash is a comforting, family-favorite dish featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce baked with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this hearty recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and kid-approved.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Macaroni:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni 3 minutes less than package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Cook Beef and Onions:
- In a skillet, brown ground beef and onion for 6-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes:
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce; mix well.
- Season Sauce:
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Combine and Bake:
- Stir macaroni into the beef mixture; fold in cheese.
- Transfer to an oven-safe skillet or greased casserole dish. Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with plant-based meat for a vegetarian version.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
