Description
Cheesy Beef Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring browned ground beef simmered with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, combined with tender elbow macaroni and melted cheddar cheese. This classic American dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, offering a savory blend of Italian seasoning, paprika, and optional fresh parsley for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, ensuring the spices are well distributed throughout the beef mixture.
- Combine Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet or Dutch oven, and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and cook until the macaroni is tender.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and cohesive.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if using, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during the seasoning step.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for leftovers, making it great for meal prep.
