Cheesy American Goulash (37-41 Minutes)

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American Goulash is an iconic comfort dish that’s stood the test of time. While it traditionally uses elbow macaroni, you can shake things up with your favorite noodle shape. This version elevates the nostalgia by introducing a layer of melted cheese on top, transforming it into a dish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this cheesy goulash ticks all the boxes.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 27-31 minutes
  • Total Time: 37-41 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups of your preferred pasta shape
  • 2 cups water or beef broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred type)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef (5-7 minutes): In a large oven-safe pot or skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add Vegetables (3-5 minutes): Stir in the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using). Sauté until the onions are translucent.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings (2-3 minutes): Mix in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Combine well.
  4. Cook the Pasta (10-12 minutes): Incorporate your chosen pasta shape and water or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer on medium-low, covered, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Cheese Topping (2-4 minutes): Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the goulash. Place the pot or skillet under a preheated oven broiler until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  6. Garnish and Serve (1-2 minutes): Once the cheese is melted and slightly golden, remove from the oven and discard the bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

The beauty of this goulash is its adaptability. You can tweak it with your preferred veggies or even add some chili flakes if you desire a spicier kick. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or even some steamed green beans. If you’re after an even creamier experience, consider mixing in a splash of heavy cream just before adding the cheese. Leftovers, if you have any, reheat beautifully the next day, making for a delightful lunch or quick dinner.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 840mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Pair this with...

Sautéed Green Beans

Begin by snapping the ends off your fresh green beans, giving them a quick rinse. In a pan, heat up a bit of olive oil or butter—whichever your heart desires. Once it's shimmering and hot, toss in those green beans, letting them sizzle and dance in the pan. A sprinkle of salt and a crack of black pepper elevate their natural taste. Sauté until they're bright green and just tender, with some lovely golden-brown spots. For an extra layer of flavor, toss in a minced garlic clove or two in the last couple of minutes.

Fresh Mixed Greens Salad

Start with a base of mixed greens, combining varieties like arugula, spinach, romaine, or any leafy greens you love. Slice up a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness. Next, peel and shave or thinly slice a carrot for a sweet and crunchy addition. Now, here's where you get to be creative. Raid your fridge for veggies – maybe some leftover bell peppers, slices of cucumber, or even some steamed broccoli or green beans. Toss them all into your salad. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing, give it a good mix, and you've got a vibrant, crunchy, and fresh salad that goes well with just about any meal.

Garlic Breadsticks

To whip up a batch of garlic breadsticks, start with a basic dough mixture of flour, water, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth and let it rise until doubled. Once risen, divide the dough into even portions and roll each into the classic breadstick shape. Place them on a baking sheet with a little space in between. While they take a short rest, melt some butter and mix in minced garlic, a touch of salt, and perhaps some chopped parsley for a fresh twist. Brush this delightful garlic butter mixture over the top of each breadstick. Pop them into a preheated oven and bake until they're golden brown and emit that irresistible garlic aroma. Once out of the oven, give them another quick brush with the remaining garlic butter for good measure.

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