If you are craving a comforting, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Goulash Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce seasoned with paprika and oregano, this casserole is a fusion of hearty textures and vibrant flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that transforms simple pantry staples into a satisfying, cheesy bake that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or feeding a group, this Goulash Casserole Recipe brings ease and warmth to your table with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in creating that classic goulash flavor we love. From the savory ground beef to the punch of paprika and the creaminess of cheddar cheese, each element is simple yet essential for that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for a hearty, meaty base without too much grease.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the aroma and flavor of the sauce.
- Red bell pepper: Gives a slight crunch and bright color to the dish.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes (canned with juice): Provide tangy richness and moisture.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Paprika: The signature spice delivering warmth and subtle smokiness.
- Dried oregano: Adds an herby note to complement the spices.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick of heat.
- Beef broth (low-sodium): Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps the casserole moist.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts to a gooey topping that ties it all together.
- Salt: To taste, bringing out all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, green garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Goulash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) so it’s ready for baking when your casserole mixture is prepared. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Drain it well and set aside because it will soon join the flavorful beef mixture.
Step 2: Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease for a cleaner, less oily dish. Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook everything together until the veggies soften and release their sweetness. Stir in paprika, oregano, and black pepper to let those spices bloom and coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
Step 3: Simmer Sauce
Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and beef broth into the skillet. Bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes. This step melds all the flavors beautifully, thickening the sauce slightly and marrying the richness of the meat with the bright tomato elements.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Once the sauce is perfectly seasoned and slightly thickened, stir in the cooked macaroni. Mix well to coat every piece of pasta with that delicious, savory sauce. This will be the heart of your goulash casserole, bringing the textures together before baking.
Step 5: Bake the Goulash Casserole Recipe
Transfer your pasta and beef mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, creating that irresistible golden layer that will melt and bubble in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, signaling that your casserole is ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like a pop of green and a bit of brightness. Serve the casserole hot for the ultimate cozy dinner that’s packed with flavor and comfort in every bite.
How to Serve Goulash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh touch of garnish such as chopped parsley enhances both the color and flavor of this hearty dish. A dollop of sour cream can also add creaminess and a subtle tang that contrasts nicely with the tomato-based sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables to add freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also pair perfectly to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can assemble individual portions of the casserole in small ramekins or Mason jars before baking. This makes for a charming presentation and easy serving, especially when entertaining guests or prepping meals ahead of time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover goulash casserole stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by placing the assembled dish in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped with foil and plastic wrap. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Freshen up with a sprinkle of cheese if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in the Goulash Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well and still provides plenty of flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as turkey cooks faster than beef.
Is it necessary to prebake the pasta before mixing it into the casserole?
Yes, cooking the elbow macaroni until al dente is important because it allows the pasta to absorb just the right amount of sauce while baking, preventing it from becoming too mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the ground beef for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The spices and tomato base will still deliver fantastic flavor.
How spicy is this Goulash Casserole Recipe?
This dish has a mild warmth mostly from the paprika and black pepper. If you prefer more heat, you can easily add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños with the peppers.
What type of cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar is classic for its meltability and sharp flavor, but you could also try a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra gooeyness, or even smoked gouda for a smoky twist.
Final Thoughts
This Goulash Casserole Recipe is truly a treasure for those who love comforting meals that come together easily yet deliver big on taste. It’s a nostalgic dish that feels like home with every bite and perfect for feeding family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll find it becoming a beloved staple in your recipe collection before you know it.
Print
Goulash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Goulash Casserole combines ground beef, tender macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce seasoned with paprika and oregano, all baked to perfection with a melted cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and yields a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Stir in paprika, dried oregano, and black pepper to season the mixture.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, and low-sodium beef broth into the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked, drained macaroni to the skillet and stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the casserole hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use low-fat cheese to reduce the calorie content if desired.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup of sour cream before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially as it will continue to cook in the oven.
