Description
This traditional Hungarian goulash is a rich, hearty stew made with tender beef, onions, and a generous amount of sweet and hot paprika. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish is deeply flavorful, thanks to the combination of caramelized onions, savory spices, and melt-in-your-mouth meat. The recipe is perfect for cold weather or when you’re craving a warming, comfort meal. Serve it with crusty bread, dumplings, or pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a family gathering, this goulash recipe is a timeless classic that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Cook the Macaroni:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni for 3 minutes less than the package directions (this prevents overcooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Ground Beef and Onions:
Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Break the beef apart as it cooks, and continue cooking for 6-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat.
4️⃣ Add Garlic and Sauce:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, mix in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes, stirring until everything is well combined.
5️⃣ Season the Goulash:
Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well and taste, adjusting seasonings as necessary.
6️⃣ Combine with Macaroni and Cheese:
Stir in the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing everything together until evenly distributed.
7️⃣ Bake the Goulash:
- If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer the skillet directly to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the goulash mixture to a casserole dish, then bake as directed.
8️⃣ Serve:
Once baked, remove the goulash from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra cheesiness, add more shredded cheddar on top before baking.
- This goulash is great for meal prep and reheats well for leftovers.