If you are craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s bursting with rich flavors and melty cheese, look no further than this Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe. This hearty dish brings together tender ground beef, a robust tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a blanket of gooey cheddar and Parmesan cheese to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate. It’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week, yet special enough to impress friends and family, making it an instant favorite that you’ll keep returning to over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each contributing unique elements to the dish’s flavor, texture, and color. From savory, browned beef to aromatic herbs and sharp, melted cheese, every component plays a vital role.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base that makes this dish satisfying and filling.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic punch that enhances the overall savory profile.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Offers juicy texture and vibrant color, keeping the sauce fresh and tangy.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor for richness.
- 1 tablespoon tomato sauce or ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of acidity to balance the savory elements.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings herbal freshness with a slightly sweet, peppery aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the tomato base perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and a dash of color to the sauce.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice): The pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully and provides delightful texture contrast.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish providing that signature creamy, cheesy comfort.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top for enhanced flavor depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking): Used to brown the beef and sauté veggies, adding subtle richness.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil, and then add the ground beef. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step develops the deep, meaty flavor that forms the heart of your goulash.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic right into the skillet with the beef. Sauté them for around 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and releases a fragrant aroma. This ensures the base of your sauce has layers of flavor that are both sweet and savory.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Now comes the moment to add all the tomato ingredients: diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce or ketchup. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir everything together. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering melds the herbs and spices with the tomatoes and beef, creating a rich, luscious sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni (or your pasta of choice) according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta once it’s perfectly al dente and set it aside, ready to join the flavorful beef mixture.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
With the sauce thickened and aromatic, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Stir gently to coat every piece with that delicious tomato and beef mixture. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, preparing it for the final cheesy touch.
Step 6: Melt the Cheeses
Top your goulash with shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly across the surface. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cheeses are melted and bubbly. This gooey, cheesy layer is what takes this dish to the next level of comfort food heaven.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, your Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe is ready to serve. Scoop generous portions onto plates and get ready for a comforting bite of this satisfying classic.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving. A few twists of black pepper can also enhance the dish’s savory profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad lightly dressed with vinaigrette, or warm garlic bread to soak up every bit of that cheesy sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans work wonderfully to add a bit of freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making this for a crowd, try baking the assembled goulash in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. You can also serve it in individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch at dinner parties or family meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making leftovers just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
This goulash freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw if frozen and reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and to keep that cheese lovely and melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente and adjust cooking times if needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe is mild and comforting, but if you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes when you add the herbs.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute, and you’ll still get a hearty, rich dish full of flavor and cheesy goodness.
What cheese can I substitute for cheddar?
If you don’t have cheddar on hand, mozzarella or Colby jack also melt well and provide a creamy texture. Just keep in mind that cheddar offers a sharper flavor that balances the tomato sauce beautifully.
How can I make this dish creamier?
For an extra creamy touch, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before adding the cheese. This will make the sauce even more luscious.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together perfectly. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and delivers that comforting, cheesy finish that everyone loves. Give it a try tonight — once you taste that first cheesy, savory forkful, you’ll know why it earns a spot on your regular dinner rotation.
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
Description
Cheesy Beef Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, combined with tender elbow macaroni, and topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese for a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Seasonings
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon tomato sauce or ketchup
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and cook ground beef, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce (or ketchup), basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Once the beef sauce mixture is ready, add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top of the goulash. Cover with a lid and cook for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use any type of short pasta if elbow macaroni is unavailable, such as penne or rotini.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce while simmering the sauce.
- To make it spicier, include crushed red pepper flakes along with other seasonings.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
