Absolutely! 🧀🥩 Cheesy Beef Goulash is a comforting, one-pot classic that combines ground beef, tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and lots of melty cheese. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and ready in under an hour.
Here’s a simple, hearty recipe to make your own cheesy goulash at home:
🧀 Cheesy Beef Goulash (American-style)
🍽️ Serves: 6–8
⏱️ Time: 10 min prep • 35 min cook
🛒 Ingredients:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 small onion, chopped
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
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1/2 tsp paprika (optional for warmth)
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1 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
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2 cups beef broth
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
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1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
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2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or a blend)
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Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the beef:
In a large pot or deep skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add aromatics:
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
3. Add liquids & pasta:
Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste (if using). Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then add in the uncooked macaroni. Stir again.
4. Simmer:
Reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too quickly before pasta is done.
5. Add cheese:
Once pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup on top and let it sit (covered) for a couple minutes until melty.
6. Serve:
Top with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot!
🔄 Variations:
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Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
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Extra veggies: Add chopped bell peppers, corn, or zucchini
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Creamy version: Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese before adding shredded cheese
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Swap pasta: Shells or rotini also work well
Would you like a slow cooker, gluten-free, or low-carb/keto version next?
