When you’re craving pure, cozy comfort but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, nothing hits the spot quite like Cheesy Beef Goulash. Imagine tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a lusciously cheesy tomato sauce all swirling together in one dreamy pot. Every bite captures that nostalgic, homey flavor we all love—it’s the perfect blend of hearty, creamy, and satisfyingly simple. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this recipe will become a new go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Beef Goulash stars a handful of kitchen staples, but each one brings something important—be it richness, flavor, or a pop of color. Stick to these basics for a classic version, but feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!
- Olive oil: Adds a richness and helps brown the beef beautifully for extra flavor in every bite.
- Ground beef: The heart of this goulash, it provides hearty texture and gets cozy with the sauce and spices.
- Yellow onion: Diced small, it melts into the sauce, adding natural sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dish a punchy, aromatic backbone—don’t skip it!
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the best in both the beef and the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon gives lovely herbal notes, tying all the ingredients together.
- Paprika: A hint of smokiness and color—use sweet or smoked, depending on your mood.
- Tomato sauce: Silky and tangy, this forms the comforting base of the goulash’s signature sauce.
- Diced tomatoes: These add juicy bursts and a rustic touch to the sauce—use fire-roasted for extra depth!
- Beef broth: Deepens the flavor and helps the pasta cook right in the pot, soaking up every nuance.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta for Cheesy Beef Goulash, its nooks and crannies hold onto every bit of sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy ribbons, making the whole dish irresistibly gooey.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds freshness and a beautiful burst of green.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Grab a large skillet or your trusty Dutch oven, set it over medium heat, and drizzle in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it up as it browns, letting all those delicious meaty bits get golden and flavorful. If a lot of fat renders out, drain off the excess—unless you want extra richness!
Step 2: Soften Onion and Garlic
With the beef browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir everything around for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen start to smell amazing as the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, weaving its magic into every spoonful of Cheesy Beef Goulash.
Step 3: Season Everything
Time for the flavor boosters: sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Give it all a good stir, making sure the seasonings coat the beef and onion mixture evenly. This step creates the foundation for the unforgettable taste that defines Cheesy Beef Goulash.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and beef broth. Stir to combine everything into one beautiful, bubbling mixture. Let it come to a gentle boil—this melds all the savory flavors and sets the stage for the pasta.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Once the sauce is happily simmering, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Turn down the heat so it’s nice and gentle, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Check and give it a stir from time to time, just to ensure nothing sticks. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and has soaked up all that saucy goodness.
Step 6: Make it Cheesy
Now comes the best part: take your pot off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Watch it melt into the sauce, creating that creamy, dreamy consistency you crave in Cheesy Beef Goulash. If you love cheese, add a little extra on top—it’s impossible to go overboard here!
Step 7: Top and Serve
Spoon your piping hot goulash into bowls and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Dig in right away while it’s gooey and steaming, or let it cool a minute if you can resist.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Goulash
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley brightens the whole dish and adds a welcome touch of freshness. For an extra-savory finish, try a little more shredded cheddar right before serving or a dusting of black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a small dollop of sour cream on top can provide a lovely tangy contrast to the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
This is truly a complete meal, but a loaf of crusty bread or buttery garlic toast alongside Cheesy Beef Goulash makes cleanup extra easy (and lets you scoop up every last bit of sauce). For something lighter, serve with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some simply roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve Cheesy Beef Goulash family-style in its pot for a comforting, rustic feel, or ladle it into individual oven-safe bowls, top with more cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish. If you have leftovers, stuff the goulash into bell peppers and bake for a brand-new twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cheesy Beef Goulash keeps its flavor and texture surprisingly well! Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to soak up some sauce, so if it looks a bit thick when you go to reheat, just stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. After cooling completely, spoon Cheesy Beef Goulash into freezer containers or resealable bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring often and adding a touch of extra broth if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, covering loosely so the cheese doesn’t splatter. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute that oozy cheddar before diving in!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, rotini, or even penne all work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—or try a whole wheat or gluten-free option for a twist on your Cheesy Beef Goulash.
How can I make Cheesy Beef Goulash dairy-free?
Simply swap in your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative, or skip the cheese altogether for a more tomato-forward beef goulash. A splash of cashew cream can add richness if you’re missing that creamy finish!
Is there a way to make this spicier?
For those who crave some heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce when you add the seasonings. Smoked paprika or chopped jalapeños are also fantastic ways to spice up Cheesy Beef Goulash.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives. Just be sure to season generously, as they’re milder than beef. You may want to add a bit of extra olive oil for juiciness and richness.
What’s the best way to meal prep Cheesy Beef Goulash?
Make a big batch over the weekend and portion into individual containers. Store in the fridge for quick lunches all week, or freeze some for easy dinners down the road. Each serving reheats so well, making your weeknight routines infinitely easier!
Final Thoughts
There’s something universally comforting about a warm bowl of Cheesy Beef Goulash—gooey, rich, and always satisfying. Give this recipe a spin next time you need a one-pot meal that delivers both nostalgia and flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
Print
Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and cheesy dinner with this delicious Cheesy Beef Goulash recipe. It’s a hearty one-pot meal that is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings:
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce and Pasta:
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Finishing Touches:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Add aromatics: Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Season: Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Add sauce and pasta: Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Add macaroni, simmer until tender.
- Melt cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar until creamy. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, try red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- This dish reheats well, perfect for leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
