Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that everyone will love? This Best Goulash recipe is the ultimate one-pan dish, packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a melty cheese topping. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding the family, this simple yet satisfying dish is sure to please!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2/3 cup chopped onion
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup dry elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (or two 8 oz cans)
- 1 jar homemade or 1 can low-sodium diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but stop just before al dente (it will continue to cook in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onions over medium-high heat. Season generously with black pepper.
- Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent (about 7-8 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking to avoid burning. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Combine the Sauces and Spices:
- To the skillet, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, oregano, basil, and parsley. Stir well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add the Cheese:
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Stir the cooked elbow macaroni into the meat sauce, making sure everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish lightly sprayed with cooking oil.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with buttered bread and a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! You can swap the cheddar and mozzarella for any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack or Parmesan for different flavors.
- Add Veggies: You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat mixture for more flavor and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!
This Best Goulash combines comfort and flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep for the week, this dish will be one your family keeps coming back to!
This updated version of the recipe is perfect for sharing on Facebook and your blog! With a catchy intro, it highlights the ease and deliciousness of the dish, ensuring it grabs attention. Let me know if you’d like any more changes!