Here’s a hearty, comforting Cheesy Beef Goulash—rich, savory, and perfect for a one-pot dinner.
Cheesy Beef Goulash 🧀🥩
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar–jack blend)
Instructions
- Brown the beef
- In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until cooked through.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Build flavor
- Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Simmer
- Add beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in uncooked macaroni.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Add cheese
- Lower heat. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve
- Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Add ¼ cup cream cheese or mozzarella.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veg boost: Stir in bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions.
- Baked version: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with cheese, bake at 375°F / 190°C for 10 minutes.
If you want a slow-cooker, one-pan skillet, or old-fashioned Hungarian-style version, just say the word.
