Description

This classic goulash recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a family meal. Made with ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and tender elbow macaroni, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, it’s a deliciously cheesy delight!

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
3 tsp minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 ½ cups water
½ cup beef broth
⅓ cup olive oil
2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
2 15-ounce cans diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
3 bay leaves
1 tbsp seasoned salt
½ tbsp black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Sauté the Ground Meat
In a large pan, sauté the ground meat over medium-high heat until it is half cooked. Remove from heat.

2. Add Garlic, Onions, and Olive Oil
Add the garlic, onions, and olive oil to the pan. Continue cooking until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent.

3. Pour in Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

4. Simmer the Mixture
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and allow the mixture to cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the Elbow Macaroni
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, stirring well to combine everything.

6. Cook Until Macaroni is Tender
Cover the pan again and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.

7. Remove Bay Leaves
Once cooked, remove the bay leaves.

8. Stir in Cheddar Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is well combined.

9. Add Mozzarella Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top just before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Notes

Serving Tips

Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and a pop of color.
Side Dish Suggestions: Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the savory sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs well to balance the richness of the goulash.
Beverage Pairing: Pair your goulash with a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a light beer to complement the hearty flavors.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Allow the goulash to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen goulash in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through heating.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare in Advance: You can prepare the goulash a day ahead. The flavors often meld and improve overnight.
Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick, homemade meal on a busy night.

Leftover Ideas

Goulash Bake: Place leftover goulash in a baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake until bubbly for a delicious goulash casserole.
Stuffed Peppers: Use the goulash as a filling for bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender.
Goulash Soup: Add extra broth or water to the leftover goulash and heat to create a hearty soup.

Enjoy your delicious old-fashioned goulash fresh, reheated, or repurposed with these serving and storage tips!