Hearty Homestyle Cheesy Baked Goulash Recipe For Dinner Joy

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this classic cheesy baked goulash recipe that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Hearty ground beef mingles with tender pasta in a rich, bubbling sauce that screams pure indulgence.

The robust flavors blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

Melted cheese adds a golden, irresistible layer that transforms this traditional meal into something extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of savory meat, soft noodles, and gooey cheese that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

This one-pan wonder comes together effortlessly, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.

What You’ll Need for Cheesy Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this comforting goulash recipe.
• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that provides a perfect texture and absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich and flavorful foundation for the goulash.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add creamy, melty goodness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, aromatic base that adds depth to the meat and sauce.
• Sugar, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil, Dried Parsley: Bring balance and complexity to the goulash with their unique flavor profiles.

Easy Steps to Bake Cheesy Goulash

Step 1: Prep The Oven And Pasta

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Boil salted water in a pot and cook elbow macaroni until almost al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions.

Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Brown The Beef And Onions

Grab a large skillet and brown ground beef over medium-high heat.

• Chopped onions
• Black pepper
• Minced garlic

Cook until beef is fully browned and onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Create A Zesty Tomato Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sugar
• Dried oregano
• Basil
• Parsley

Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Goodness

Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Fold in cooked macaroni, ensuring everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Transfer mixture to a lightly oiled 2-quart casserole dish.

Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes until cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Serve this delicious, comforting goulash to your hungry crowd.

Handy Tips for a Great Goulash Bake

• Cook elbow macaroni 1-2 minutes less than package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfectly tender texture.
• After browning ground beef, drain excess fat to reduce heaviness and prevent a greasy final dish, keeping the goulash light and flavorful.
• Stir cheddar cheese into the sauce before adding pasta to create a smooth, creamy consistency that coats every ingredient evenly.
• Top the goulash with mozzarella just before baking to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese crust that adds visual appeal and extra flavor.
• Allow the baked goulash to sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier and more enjoyable.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Baked Goulash

• Store leftover goulash in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place goulash in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy top.

What to Serve with Baked Goulash

• Savor Comfort with Perfect Pairings
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss a light, zesty mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy goulash. Fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and arugula create a refreshing contrast against the hearty pasta dish.
• Wine Wonderland: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Chianti to complement the robust beef and tomato flavors. The wine's subtle fruitiness and slight acidity will cut through the cheese's richness and enhance the overall meal experience.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, rustic garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior provide a perfect textural counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy goulash.
• Cool Beverage Refresh: Pair with a cold Czech-style pilsner or a crisp lager that offers a light, clean finish. The beer's carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty, cheesy pasta dish.

Tasty Spins on Cheesy Goulash

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the hearty essence of the original recipe.
• Veggie Power Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils to create a vegetarian goulash packed with protein and rich, satisfying flavors.
• Low-Carb Champion: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the classic goulash taste and cheesy goodness.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy this comforting meal.

FAQs

• What is goulash originally?

Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew made with beef, vegetables, and paprika, originally created by Hungarian cattle herders in the 9th century as a hearty, portable meal.

• Is this recipe different from traditional goulash?

This version is an Americanized casserole-style goulash that combines pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese, which differs significantly from the authentic Hungarian stew.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein substitute. Just ensure you brown it thoroughly and drain any excess moisture to maintain the dish’s texture.

• How spicy is this goulash recipe?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you want more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or increase the black pepper quantity to enhance the spice level.

What Makes Cheesy Baked Goulash So Comforting

• This goulash transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that comes together with minimal kitchen effort.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef with turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to match family preferences.
• Delivers rich, cheesy goodness that satisfies both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Uses affordable, accessible ingredients while creating a hearty dish that stretches to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.

Cheesy Baked Goulash Recipe

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4.9 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Hungarian Cheesy Baked Goulash mingles robust ground beef with tender pasta, creating a comforting meal that warms hearts. Simmered with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, this classic dish invites you to savor a delicious slice of culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Pasta:

• 1 cup dry elbow macaroni pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2/3 cup chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Tomato Base:

• 1 (15-ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a pot of salted water and cook elbow macaroni until just shy of al dente, approximately 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain pasta and reserve.

1. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Incorporate chopped onions and cook until beef is completely browned and onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle black pepper to taste. Add minced garlic during the final minute of cooking, stirring constantly. Drain excess grease if needed.

1. Create the tomato sauce by mixing tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, dried oregano, basil, and parsley into the beef mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing herbs to infuse and flavors to develop.

1. Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Gently mix in the cooked macaroni, ensuring even distribution throughout the sauce.

1. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 2-quart casserole dish. Distribute evenly and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

1. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting dish.

Notes

• Choose elbow macaroni or swap with gluten-free alternatives like brown rice pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work perfectly as lean protein substitutes for traditional ground beef.
• Mix different cheese types like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to introduce a subtle kick and authentic goulash-style warmth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg