There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly evening than a hearty bowl of Easy Cheesy Beef Goulash. This All-American classic is a tasty amalgamation of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a cheesy twist that turns this old-fashioned favorite into a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

 

 

Recipe Story:

 

Growing up in a Midwestern household, beef goulash was a regular on our family’s dinner table. Traditionally, goulash is a simple, one-pot dish with roots in Eastern Europe. It usually contains a mixture of meat, noodles, and vegetables, cooked slowly until everything is wonderfully tender. Our American version puts a delightful spin on it, featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and plenty of cheese for that extra yum factor.

 

What makes this goulash recipe so special?

It’s the marriage of convenience and flavor. You only need one pot to make it, and it’s chock full of nostalgic flavor. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and everything in between.

 

This Easy Cheesy Beef Goulash is a soul-warming dish that’s packed with protein and high in fiber. It starts with lean ground beef that’s browned to perfection and then simmered with a hearty mix of onions, bell peppers, and garlic. The blend of seasonings – a savory mix of paprika, salt, and pepper – bring out the deep flavors of the meat and veggies.

 

Next, canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce are added to create a rich, tangy base. The goulash is then simmered until the flavors are melded together, creating a wonderfully comforting meal. Just before it’s done, we toss in elbow macaroni, cooking it right in the pot to absorb all those delicious flavors.

 

But here’s where the magic happens – the cheese! As an American twist to the classic goulash, we stir in generous handfuls of sharp cheddar cheese, which melts into the hot pasta, creating a wonderfully creamy and cheesy texture.

 

Serve this Easy Cheesy Beef Goulash with a side of crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce and a simple green salad to round out the meal. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for busy families.

 

 

Ingredients:

2 lbs lean ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cans (8 oz each) tomato sauce
2 cups water
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

 

 

Instructions:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to meld with the meat and veggies.

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for another 20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.

Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted into the goulash.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the goulash hot, with a side of crusty bread and a green salad.

Enjoy your Easy Cheesy Beef Goulash! This comforting one-pot meal is a family favorite that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, so feel free to make extra!

Remember, the best thing about cooking is making it your own. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and steps as needed to suit your family’s preferences.