When the craving for a truly satisfying, fuss-free meal hits, nothing beats a classic. Our Hearty Ground Beef Goulash Casserole is a delightful nod to old-fashioned comfort food, bringing together savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, tangy tomato sauce, all finished with a crown of melted cheese. It's the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights.
The Irresistible Allure of Ground Beef Goulash Casserole
This isn't just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl! American Goulash, unlike its Hungarian cousin, is a simpler, heartier stew that evolved into a beloved one-pot staple. Turning it into a casserole adds an extra layer of warmth and a delicious cheesy crust that's hard to resist. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and ability to feed a crowd without hours of effort. You'll love how the flavors meld together, creating a symphony of savory, sweet, and tangy notes in every spoonful.
Forget complex techniques; this recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this goulash casserole will quickly become a go-to in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients: Simple, Wholesome Goodness
One of the best things about this ground beef goulash casserole is its reliance on everyday pantry staples. You likely have most of these ingredients on hand already, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous dinners.
Key Ingredients Spotlight:
- Ground Beef: We recommend a lean ground beef (like 85/15 or 90/10) to keep it from being too greasy, but 80/20 also works for a richer flavor.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic form the foundational flavor base. Don't skip these!
- Tomato Power: A combination of tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes creates the robust, slightly sweet, and tangy sauce that defines goulash.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for its shape, which perfectly cradles the rich sauce.
- Beef Broth: Adds depth and helps cook the pasta right in the sauce.
- Seasonings: Paprika and Italian seasoning are key players here, offering warmth and aromatic notes.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully and adds that undeniable comfort factor. Feel free to use a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend for extra gooeyness.
Substitution Savvy:
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. For a lighter version, feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. If you're looking for another comforting meal that's packed with flavor, try our Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken & Green Beans Skillet. For those avoiding gluten, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. You can also sneak in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or spinach when you add the tomatoes for an added nutritional boost.
Tips for Goulash Casserole Success
Achieving the perfect ground beef goulash casserole is easier than you think. A few simple tips will ensure your dish is flavorful, well-textured, and absolutely delicious every time.
- Brown Your Beef Thoroughly: Don't rush this step! Properly browning the ground beef before adding other ingredients ensures a deeper, richer flavor. Make sure to drain excess fat to avoid a greasy end product.
- Toast Your Spices: Cooking the paprika and Italian seasoning with the tomato paste for a minute or two helps to bloom their flavors, intensifying their aromatic contribution to the sauce.
- Simmer, Don't Boil: Once the pasta is added, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This allows the macaroni to cook evenly and absorb the liquid without becoming mushy or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Stir occasionally!
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. Different broths and tomato products can vary in sodium, so a final taste test is crucial.
- Don't Forget the Cheese: The melted cheese is what transforms a simple goulash into a comforting casserole. For a beautiful golden crust, consider transferring the mixture to a baking dish and broiling with extra cheese for a few minutes.
For more insights into the origins and variations of this beloved dish, you can explore the history of American Goulash on Wikipedia. If you're looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your meal rotation, our Spinach & Feta Patties are a fantastic choice.
Serving & Pairing Ideas:
This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. A side of steamed green beans or broccoli also complements the richness perfectly. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I prepare this ground beef goulash casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the goulash through the simmering stage (before adding cheese), then cool and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop, stir in cheese, or transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly.
What are the best pasta substitutes for elbow macaroni in goulash?
For a similar texture and cooking time, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or rotini work wonderfully. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni or a similar small pasta shape, adjusting cooking time as per package directions.
How do I prevent my goulash casserole from becoming too watery?
Ensure you drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef. Using tomato paste helps thicken the sauce, and allowing the goulash to simmer for the recommended time helps the pasta absorb liquid, leading to a perfectly rich consistency.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey or chicken makes an excellent substitute for ground beef. The cooking time will be similar, but you might want to add a touch more olive oil when browning if your poultry is extra lean, and adjust seasonings to your preference.
Hearty Ground Beef Goulash Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
A classic, comforting one-pot American goulash casserole featuring savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich, tangy tomato sauce, finished with melted cheese.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1.5 lbs lean ground beef
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
0.5 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups beef broth
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen the flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring to ensure it's evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's fully melted and incorporated into the goulash. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
For a cheesier crust, transfer the goulash to a baking dish after adding cheese, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
