Description
This old fashioned goulash recipe is a comforting classic with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and cheese. Easy, delicious, and perfect for weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion (chopped finely)
- 3 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Start by boiling a large pot of water with a pinch of salt. Cook the elbow macaroni for 3 minutes less than the package directions. This gives it a slightly firmer texture, so it doesn’t turn mushy when baked. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef and onions: In a large skillet over high heat, add the ground beef and onions. Break up the beef as it cooks, stirring frequently for about 6-7 minutes until it’s fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat (trust me, it makes a difference in the final texture).
- Add the garlic: Toss in the chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until it’s fragrant. You don’t want it to burn, so keep stirring—it should smell amazing at this point!
- Create the sauce: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This is the point where you can start to taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Season to taste: Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring until all the herbs are evenly distributed. Give it a taste and adjust as needed—I sometimes add a pinch more salt or pepper here.
- Combine and bake: Stir in the cooked macaroni and the shredded cheddar cheese. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can slide it right into the oven. Otherwise, transfer everything to a casserole dish. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—it’ll be piping hot! Garnish with a little extra cheese or fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Goulash is great as a standalone meal, but if you want to make it feel a bit more special, serve it with a simple side salad for freshness. A few slices of crusty garlic bread also go wonderfully with it to scoop up every last bit of sauce. For garnish, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions adds a nice pop of color and flavor on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner