Description
This Cheesy Baked Goulash Casserole is a comforting weeknight meal that combines tender pasta with a rich beef sauce and gooey melted cheese. It’s a hearty dish that transforms simple ingredients into a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85-90%)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 large can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small can tomato paste
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large, deep oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then transfer to a separate bowl, leaving excess fat in the skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for about a minute. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir in paprika, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir the cooked ground beef back into the sauce, then fold in the cooked elbow macaroni. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
- If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the goulash.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly, and cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Cook elbow macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushiness. For added flavor, consider using Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika. You can also sneak in extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.