Cheesy Beef Goulash is the kind of weeknight miracle meal that delivers pure comfort in a single pot. Loaded with juicy ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and smothered in a gloriously creamy blend of cheddar and mozzarella, this dish is rich with flavor and hearty enough to feed the hungriest crowd. It’s a recipe that invites everyone to gather around the table because who can resist the combination of saucy pasta, melty cheese, and warm, nostalgic spices?
Ingredients You’ll Need
This delicious Cheesy Beef Goulash comes together with a handful of pantry staples and a couple of kitchen MVPs. Each ingredient has a simple, but crucial role in building the deep flavors and pleasing textures that make this dish unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for that irresistible flavor base.
- Ground beef: The star protein, delivering both substance and deep, savory notes.
- Yellow onion (diced): Gives a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- Garlic (minced): Heightens the overall savory flavor—don’t be shy with this essential aromatic!
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- Black pepper: Brings just the right touch of heat and earthiness.
- Italian seasoning: Lifts the whole dish with a mix of herbs that’s classic in any goulash.
- Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness that sets this dish apart from the usual.
- Tomato sauce: Provides the rich, saucy base every great goulash needs.
- Diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds texture and tang, keeping the sauce hearty and vibrant.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savory profile and cooks the pasta perfectly right in the pan.
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked): Classic in Cheesy Beef Goulash—these short noodles soak up all the flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, bold blanket of deliciousness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that signature cheesy stretch in every bite.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and herby finish.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Once it’s browned and crumbly, you’ll see the first hints of deliciousness coming together—this is the hearty base that carries all those familiar goulash flavors!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic directly into the skillet with your browned beef. Give them a good stir and let everything sauté for two to three minutes, just until the onion turns soft and the garlic is fragrant. This step lays the aromatic groundwork for your Cheesy Beef Goulash, making each subsequent spoonful more irresistible.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir thoroughly, letting the spices coat the beef, onion, and garlic. Every bite of goulash should taste seasoned and zesty, so don’t skip over this step—it’s what makes the dish both comforting and crave-worthy.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Sauce, & Broth
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth. Stir to combine everything. You’ll start to see that rich red sauce develop, and the broth will do double duty—adding depth and giving the pasta plenty of liquid to soak up as it cooks.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the dry elbow macaroni straight to the pot. Stir well, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer for twelve to fifteen minutes, checking and stirring now and then. The pasta will become perfectly tender as it absorbs all those layers of flavor, no separate pot needed.
Step 6: Make It Cheesy
Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat and add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until both cheeses melt into the goulash, making it perfectly creamy and luxuriously cheesy. This step transforms your skillet into a bubbling masterpiece of comfort food. Let the Cheesy Beef Goulash sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle and the sauce thickens just slightly.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Goulash
Garnishes
For a pretty finishing touch, sprinkle plenty of freshly chopped parsley over each serving of Cheesy Beef Goulash. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dusting of extra shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for gentle heat. A drizzle of olive oil or a few grinds of black pepper can elevate the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This hearty, all-in-one meal doesn’t really need a companion, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the extra sauce. A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette adds contrast and freshness alongside the richness of the goulash, balancing out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun weeknight twist, serve Cheesy Beef Goulash in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil briefly for a bubbly top. Layer with thin slices of fresh mozzarella and chopped tomatoes for a goulash lasagna. Or scoop it into bell pepper “bowls” for a colorful, playful presentation at family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the goulash cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll stay delicious for up to four days—making lunch or next-day dinner a breeze.
Freezing
Cheesy Beef Goulash freezes surprisingly well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and label with the date. It will keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply spoon the desired amount into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl and warm gently, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir often on the stovetop over low heat or use short, 30-second bursts in the microwave, stopping to fluff the pasta between intervals for even reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work just as well and soak up that cheesy sauce beautifully.
What if I want a lighter version?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and opt for whole wheat or chickpea-based pasta for a boost of fiber and nutrition without sacrificing comfort or flavor.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes! Stir in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach when sautéing the onions and garlic. This Cheesy Beef Goulash is flexible—just be sure not to overload the pot, so the pasta still cooks evenly.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s quite mild, with just a hint of warmth from the smoked paprika. You can spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño if your family loves heat.
Can I make Cheesy Beef Goulash ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the goulash as directed, let it cool, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth if needed to revive the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Cheesy Beef Goulash is your answer. I hope you and your loved ones find as much joy gathered around this bubbling pot as I do every single time. Happy cooking—and get ready for a chorus of “seconds, please!”
Print
Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Beef Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and a blend of cheeses for a hearty and flavorful dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Cook the ground beef: Until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add onion and garlic: Sauté until softened.
- Season: With salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- Stir in: Tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Simmer.
- Add macaroni: Stir well and cook covered for 12–15 minutes.
- Stir in cheeses: Until melted and creamy. Let rest before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef or use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Adjust cheese varieties to your taste—pepper jack or gouda work great too.
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