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
Scale
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
