Name: Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re looking for a dinner that’s cozy, easy, and seriously crowd-pleasing, Cheesy Beef Goulash is about to steal the show at your table. Picture tender elbow macaroni mingling with savory ground beef in a zesty tomato sauce, crowned with a velvety layer of melted cheddar—this classic one-pot wonder brings homey nostalgia and big flavor in every bite. Cheesy Beef Goulash is one of those recipes you’ll make on repeat, especially since it comes together quickly and feeds a hungry crowd with ease!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Beef Goulash lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients—all stars in their own right! Each one promises to make the finished dish heartier, deeper in flavor, and unbelievably satisfying.

Ground beef: The true backbone—rich, savory, and the reason this meal feels so hearty and classic.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle layer of richness and helps sauté your veggies just right.
Onion: Diced onion brings natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: One taste and you’ll know: freshly minced garlic is key for irresistible aroma and flavor.
Green bell pepper: Brings bright color and a touch of garden freshness to every spoonful.
Tomato sauce: This is the lush, tangy base that wraps everything together.
Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a pop of juicy tomato goodness.
Beef broth: Deepens the flavor and keeps the goulash beautifully saucy.
Worcestershire sauce: Just a spoonful gives an umami boost and a hint of complexity.
Italian seasoning: A go-to shortcut to robust herbal notes with zero fuss.
Smoked paprika: Infuses gentle warmth and a smokey aroma you’ll crave.
Elbow macaroni: Classic shape for soaking up sauce—plus it cooks right in the pot!
Shredded cheddar cheese: The “cheesy” in Cheesy Beef Goulash—perfectly melty and creamy.
Salt and black pepper: The finishing touch for balanced flavor—season to taste.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color (and it looks so inviting).

How to Make Cheesy Beef Goulash

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until everything softens up and the kitchen starts smelling amazing. Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute longer—just until it’s fragrant and you’re tempted to eat it right out of the pot!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Scoot those veggies aside and add in your ground beef. Let it cook, breaking it apart with your spoon as you go, until browned through with no more pink spots. If there’s any excess grease swimming around, drain it carefully (but keep all that lovely flavor in the pot).

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Time to turn those humble ingredients into something magical. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir it all up well, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pot—those are packed with flavor! Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil; you’ll notice the color deepening and the whole dish coming together beautifully.

Step 4: Add the Macaroni

Once your sauce is bubbling, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Lower the heat to medium and keep everything uncovered. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent sticking, until the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce is luxuriously thickened.

Step 5: Get Cheesy!

Take the pot off the heat and add in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it in until it melts into the sauce, turning everything into a creamy, cheesy wonderland. Taste, then season with salt and black pepper exactly the way you like it. That’s all it takes—Cheesy Beef Goulash is ready for your table!

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Goulash

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brings a burst of color and a gentle herbal lift that balances the richness of Cheesy Beef Goulash beautifully. If you’re a fan of even more cheese, a handful of extra cheddar or a dusting of parmesan on top is always welcome. Sometimes, a dash of crushed red pepper adds an extra zing, especially for those who love a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Beef Goulash is a meal in itself, but it plays so nicely with a simple green salad on the side or a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that tangy, savory sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies make it a well-rounded family dinner, while garlic bread takes the comfort level up another notch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon Cheesy Beef Goulash into mugs for a cozy movie night. Or, bake it in individual ramekins with a cheesy topping for a bubbling, golden finish—almost like a mini casserole! Leftover goulash also makes an epic next-day lunch tucked into a thermos, ready for wherever your day takes you.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Beef Goulash keeps like a dream. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, making your leftovers feel like a whole new treat.

Freezing

This dish holds up well in the freezer, too! Cool completely and portion Cheesy Beef Goulash into freezer-safe containers or bags (label them for easy grab-and-go meals). Freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Cheesy Beef Goulash gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up too much. For single servings, the microwave works well—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until steaming hot and the cheese is melty once more.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta in Cheesy Beef Goulash?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni gives you that classic look and texture, you can swap in small shells, rotini, or whatever pasta shape you have. Just keep an eye on cooking time—different shapes may need a minute or two more or less.

Is Cheesy Beef Goulash spicy?

Cheesy Beef Goulash has a mild, family-friendly profile thanks to the smoked paprika and Italian seasoning. If you like more heat, just add crushed red pepper flakes or a little diced jalapeño during the veggie sauté stage.

Can I make Cheesy Beef Goulash in advance?

Definitely! This is an ideal make-ahead meal. Prepare it fully, let it cool, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat gently—if the pasta soaks up too much sauce, a quick splash of broth will bring it right back to life.

Can I use other cheeses?

Go for it! While cheddar is classic for Cheesy Beef Goulash, mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack will give you that extra gooey stretch. Parmesan is wonderful for finishing, adding bite and nutty flavor.

How do I make Cheesy Beef Goulash gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Most hold up perfectly in the saucy goulash, but check the cooking time, as some gluten-free noodles cook a bit faster or slower than traditional pasta.

Final Thoughts

Now all that’s left is to grab your pot and make a batch of Cheesy Beef Goulash—trust me, this is one of those dishes you’ll return to again and again. It’s fuss-free, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring some warmth and smiles to your table. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and hearty one-pot meal, Cheesy Beef Goulash is a delicious American classic that combines ground beef, savory seasonings, tender macaroni, and gooey cheddar cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Brown Beef: Add ground beef, cook until browned, and drain excess grease.
Add Ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook Pasta: Add macaroni, cook for 12-15 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
Melt Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until creamy.
Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.