Nothing says home-cooked comfort quite like a bubbling dish of Goulash Casserole Recipe fresh from the oven! This beloved casserole blends tender elbow macaroni, hearty seasoned meat, gooey cheese, and robust tomato flavors, all wrapped in a single dish that speaks to the soul. The balance of spices, melted cheese, and savory sauce makes every bite irresistible, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day. This Goulash Casserole Recipe is a go-to because it’s simple, satisfying, kid-friendly, and—most importantly—impossible not to crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Goulash Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, no-fuss ingredients, each bringing something important to the table. With just a handful of pantry staples, the result is an irresistibly hearty, rich, and colorful meal that’s pure comfort with every forkful.
- Olive oil: Adds a lush, savory base that helps all the flavors meld together delightfully in the pan.
- Ground beef or ground turkey: Provides hearty protein and a robust, savory foundation—choose your favorite for a custom touch.
- Onion (diced): Brings subtle sweetness and that irresistible aromatic base every cozy casserole needs.
- Garlic (minced): Lends a warm, comforting depth—freshly minced will make the flavors shine.
- Green bell pepper (diced): Adds a pop of color and a gentle crunch that balances the richness.
- Tomato sauce: Forms the saucy backbone, binding the casserole and giving it a luscious texture.
- Diced tomatoes: Lend both juiciness and small bursts of bright tomato flavor in every bite.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the savory notes and thickens the sauce, adding body and richness.
- Paprika: Provides gentle warmth and gives the casserole its signature color.
- Italian seasoning: Adds an herby twist reminiscent of classic comfort meals.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and heightening every savory component.
- Black pepper: Brings subtle heat to ground the sweeter notes of the casserole.
- Cooked elbow macaroni: The tender, familiar pasta shape soaks up all the sauce while holding together beautifully when baked.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Supplies a rich, tangy melt that ties everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that stretchy, cheesy finish everyone loves.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled on top, it brightens and lifts all the hearty flavors when served.
How to Make Goulash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
First, go ahead and set that oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake. Grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light grease with olive oil or nonstick spray. This quick step ensures nothing sticks and your casserole lifts out perfectly golden every time.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Set a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once warm, add your ground beef or turkey. Let it sizzle and brown, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. The key is to get a rich, even color without overcooking—the savory base of every great Goulash Casserole Recipe. If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a lighter bite.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Let those aromatics cook together for about four minutes until they’ve softened and the fragrance fills your kitchen. This step builds the flavor layers, so don’t rush—let the vegetables gently sweeten and the garlic mellow.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a hearty stir, then let it simmer for ten minutes. This gentle simmer is crucial for letting all those comforting flavors come together. If you like a little kick, now’s the moment to sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra warmth.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Time for the pasta! Add your cooked elbow macaroni directly into the pan and toss until every noodle is coated in that rich, tomatoey sauce. Make sure the pasta’s evenly mixed—this will guarantee every bite is perfectly saucy and comforting.
Step 6: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Transfer the whole mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Now, the magic happens: layer on the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Be generous! The duo of cheeses brings both flavor and that blissful creamy melt you look for in every Goulash Casserole Recipe.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling sauce and gloriously golden, melty cheese on top. When it looks irresistible, it’s ready to come out!
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, shower the casserole with fresh chopped parsley. This adds a burst of freshness and color, waking up all those rich, savory flavors just before you dig in.
How to Serve Goulash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle plenty of fresh parsley over the hot casserole right before it hits the table. If you want to get extra fancy, a handful of sliced green onions or a bit more shredded cheese can make it even more inviting. A quick grate of black pepper adds lovely contrast to the gooey cheese layer on top.
Side Dishes
This Goulash Casserole Recipe is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up the saucy bits. If you’d like, roast some seasonal veggies on the side or offer a simple cucumber salad to balance the heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful family dinner, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish at the table and let everyone help themselves. For a more elegant touch, spoon individual portions into small, broiler-safe ramekins and run them under the broiler for a few moments to crisp up the cheese before serving. A big platter of the Goulash Casserole Recipe, garnished with herbs and surrounded by fresh veggies, is always a showstopper at potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover the baking dish tightly or transfer leftovers to airtight containers. This Goulash Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its flavor and texture. The flavors deepen overnight, making for especially delicious next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months—perfect for busy nights or when you want that homey comfort meal in a pinch. You can even freeze the unbaked casserole and bake it straight from frozen, just adding a little more time in the oven.
Reheating
For best results, reheat refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly again, about 15 minutes. Individual servings can be microwaved in a pinch—just cover with a damp paper towel and heat until hot. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or bake longer directly from the freezer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course, Casserole
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni delivers classic texture, you can happily swap in penne, rotini, or even shells. Just cook the pasta until al dente before mixing it with the sauce, so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.
Is the Goulash Casserole Recipe spicy?
Not at all—the basic recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you want a bit of heat, just add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or use hot paprika in place of the sweet variety.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can substitute plant-based ground crumbles in place of beef or turkey, or use cooked lentils for a hearty, protein-rich base. The rest of the Goulash Casserole Recipe remains the same—still cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole (up to the cheese step), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply remove from the fridge while the oven preheats and bake as directed, adding five extra minutes if it’s still cold right out of the fridge.
What cheeses work best as a substitute?
If you’re out of cheddar or mozzarella, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little pepper jack for zip. Any good melting cheese will make this Goulash Casserole Recipe deliciously gooey and golden.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats gathering around the dinner table with a hearty dish like this one, and the Goulash Casserole Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s comforting, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. So next time you need an easy and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked from the first cheesy, saucy bite!
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Goulash Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Goulash Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines ground beef (or turkey), macaroni, tomatoes, and cheese, baked to perfection. It’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine: Mix in cooked macaroni until well combined. Transfer to the baking dish and top with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or using smoked paprika.
- This dish freezes well—store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Hungarian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
