Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty base for the dish.
- ⅔ cup chopped onion: Adds flavor and sweetness when sautéed with the beef.
- Black pepper to taste: A basic seasoning to enhance the beef’s flavor.
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds a subtle but crucial flavor to the sauce.
- 1 cup dry elbow macaroni pasta: A staple for goulash, but feel free to use any short pasta if you don’t have macaroni.
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce: The rich, tangy base of the sauce.
- 1 can of diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a little extra acidity to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a warm, earthy flavor into the dish.
- 2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A mild herb that complements the other flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, creamy contrast to the tomato sauce.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that perfect melted, stretchy topping.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Boil the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, set a pot of salted water to boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the elbow macaroni and cook until it is almost al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking perfectly in the oven later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef and Onions
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. As the beef starts to brown, add the chopped onions and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Season with black pepper to taste. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking, stirring frequently to release its flavor. If necessary, drain off any excess grease from the pan.
3. Make the Tomato Sauce
With the beef and onions cooked, it’s time to create the flavorful tomato sauce. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, dried oregano, basil, and parsley. Allow this mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the herbs infuse into the sauce and the flavors meld together.
4. Mix in the Cheese
If you want an extra cheesy goulash, now is the time to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese should melt into the sauce, adding a creamy texture. Once the cheese is fully incorporated, add the cooked macaroni and stir everything together until evenly combined.
5. Assemble and Bake
Transfer the beef, tomato, and pasta mixture into a lightly oiled 2-quart casserole dish. Spread the mixture evenly, then top with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve
Once the goulash has baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your cheesy, savory baked goulash with family or friends!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Baked Goulash pairs beautifully with simple side dishes. Consider serving it alongside:
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner