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.

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

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