Description
This Old Fashioned Goulash is a comforting classic American casserole featuring tender elbow macaroni mixed with a savory, tomato-based ground beef sauce, seasoned with garlic, onions, and Italian herbs, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it’s baked in the oven until bubbly and cheesy.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the goulash later.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for approximately 3 minutes less than the package directions recommend to keep it al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef and onions: Heat a large skillet over high heat, add ground beef and finely chopped onions. Break the meat up with a spoon and cook for 6–7 minutes until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine sauce ingredients: Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the mixture: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed for a balanced flavor.
- Mix in macaroni and cheese: Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet, mixing everything together thoroughly.
- Bake the goulash: If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and the cheese is melted. If not, transfer the goulash to a casserole dish and bake for the same amount of time.
Notes
- For best results, use a heat-safe skillet to avoid extra dishes.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Adding a little crushed red pepper can give it a subtle kick if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash, American Goulash, Beef Casserole, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta
