If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that blends tender beef, savory pasta, and loads of gooey cheese into a single, irresistible meal, let me introduce you to the world of Cheesy Beef Goulash. This is the sort of recipe that turns a handful of humble pantry staples into pure comfort food magic, with a lush tomato base, hearty ground beef, and just the right seasoning. Every spoonful packs the warmth of a home-cooked classic, perfect for family dinners or easy weeknight gatherings. Trust me, Cheesy Beef Goulash is destined to become your new favorite way to satisfy serious comfort food cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Beef Goulash calls for simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, and each one plays a key role in building up big flavors and creamy textures. Gather everything ahead of time—the prep is minimal, but the results are unbelievably satisfying.
- 1 pound ground beef: Lean beef gives the dish hearty flavor and satisfying protein. Tip: Use 80/20 for extra richness or go lighter with ground turkey.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Sauteed onion adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings out the savory depth that makes every bite pop.
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked: Classic elbows soak up the sauce perfectly for that iconic goulash texture.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: This forms the saucy backbone, creating a tangy, luscious base.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and bursts of juicy tomato flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: Helps cook the pasta and adds a savory, meaty dimension to every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the whole dish with herby goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop (taste and adjust as you like).
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Rounds out the spices and gives a touch of heat.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star ingredient for all that melt-in-your-mouth, creamy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: The perfect finishing touch for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion together—this way, the onion softens and gets sweet while soaking in all those meaty juices. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain off any extra grease so your Cheesy Beef Goulash isn’t oily down the road.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and cook just one minute longer. Don’t skip this step, because those 60 seconds are where the magic happens—the aroma fills your kitchen and the flavor deepens, setting the stage for a truly memorable meal.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Add Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, and the full can of diced tomatoes (juice and all). Pour in the beef broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a big stir so the pasta is just submerged. This is where the pasta soaks up all the punchy tomato and beef flavor—the makings of a spectacular Cheesy Beef Goulash.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring your pot to a lively boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover tightly and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking. You’re aiming for tender macaroni and a sauce that’s thickened up beautifully around the hearty beef.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Turn off the heat and add all the shredded cheddar cheese straight to the pan. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the whole pot turns irresistibly creamy. If you want to take things up a notch, a splash of heavy cream makes it even richer (highly recommended for true cheese lovers!).
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Spoon your Cheesy Beef Goulash into bowls and finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving. That little burst of green gives an inviting look and a subtle freshness to offset the hearty richness of the dish.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Goulash
Garnishes
To put the finishing touch on your Cheesy Beef Goulash, always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of brightness. For extra flair, shave a little more cheddar or some parmesan on top right when you serve—watching it melt makes the whole bowl even more appealing.
Side Dishes
This one-pot wonder shines on its own, but it loves company! Serve alongside crisp green salads tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or with warm, buttered garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans also make easy, healthy sidekicks.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style fun, scoop Cheesy Beef Goulash right into a casserole dish and broil with extra cheese until bubbly and golden. To impress at a potluck, ladle it into oversized mugs for a personal comfort-food parade, or serve in mini ramekins as party-ready bites. Top with crushed crackers or fried onions for a bit of crunch and wow-factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Cheesy Beef Goulash cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for a week of easy lunches or no-stress dinners. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers are honestly divine!
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Cheesy Beef Goulash for future cravings, portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers after it cools. It holds up well for about 2 to 3 months. Just know that the pasta will soften a bit more upon thawing, but the flavors only get better.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen things up. Stir often and add a sprinkle of fresh cheese just before serving to bring back that melty, creamy magic.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in Cheesy Beef Goulash?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic, you can swap in small shells, rotini, or penne—just monitor cooking time, as different shapes may take a little longer to soften up.
Is it okay to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully and make the dish a bit lighter. The spices and sauce keep everything flavorful and hearty, no matter which protein you choose.
How do I make Cheesy Beef Goulash gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Gluten-free pastas sometimes cook faster, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, baby spinach, or even zucchini can all be stirred in with the onions and beef. It’s an easy way to sneak in more nutrients and color.
Does Cheesy Beef Goulash taste good as leftovers?
In fact, it gets even better after a day in the fridge! The flavors meld together, and reheating with a touch more broth and cheese revives that just-cooked creaminess you love.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a seriously satisfying, soul-warming meal that ticks all the boxes—easy, budget-friendly, and downright delicious—give this Cheesy Beef Goulash a try. There’s just something so special about sharing a bubbling pot of cheesy goodness with the people you love. Whip it up and watch smiles appear around the table!
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 recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that the whole family will love. Tender elbow macaroni is cooked in a flavorful tomato and beef sauce, then mixed with gooey melted cheddar cheese for a rich and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the mixture has thickened.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the cheese.
- You can also add bell peppers or mushrooms for added veggies.
- Use ground turkey as a lighter alternative to beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
