Old Fashioned Goulash Hearty Comfort (Printable Version)
A classic American casserole with ground beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar for family dinners.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni
02 - 2 pounds ground beef
03 - 1 onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce & Seasonings
05 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce
07 - 2 14.5-ounce cans petit diced tomatoes
08 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
09 - 2 teaspoons salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Topping
11 - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking temperature.
02 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook macaroni for 3 minutes less than package directions indicate, then drain. This al dente texture will maintain structure during baking.
03 - Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and onions, breaking meat apart while cooking for 6-7 minutes until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat.
04 - Add garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes until well combined.
05 - Incorporate Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor.
06 - Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese to the meat sauce, stirring until evenly distributed.
07 - If using an oven-safe skillet, place directly in the preheated oven. Otherwise, transfer mixture to a casserole dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is completely melted.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Makes generous portions perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers
- Freezes beautifully for future meals
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or cheese options
02 -
- Each serving provides approximately 25g of protein making this a satisfying main dish
- The recipe easily scales up or down depending on your needs
- This dish actually tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop
03 -
- Allow the goulash to rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving this helps the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency
- For extra flavor bloom your Italian seasoning by stirring it into the beef just before adding the tomatoes which releases more of the essential oils
- Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre shredded for better melting and a smoother texture throughout the dish