Description
Hungarian goulash delivers hearty comfort through tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and classic European flavors. Spicy and robust ingredients combine to create a soul-warming meal you’ll savor with genuine satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef
- 1 lb (454 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cans tomato sauce
- 2 cans petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 ml/8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp (10 ml) salt
- 0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml) black pepper
- 0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml) Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil, cooking elbow macaroni slightly under the recommended time for al dente texture.
- Meat Foundation: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef and onions together until the meat is fully cooked and onions become translucent, draining excess fat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
- Sauce Integration: Stir in tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich, unified mixture. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, blending thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Cheese Fusion: Fold the drained macaroni into the beef mixture, ensuring complete coating. Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creating a creamy, homogeneous texture.
- Baking Process: Transfer the goulash to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top develops a golden-brown crust and edges become bubbly, indicating thorough heating and complete cheese melting.
- Serving: Remove from the oven and let the goulash rest for 5-10 minutes to set, then serve with optional garnishes or accompanying dishes.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni 3 minutes less than package instructions for ideal al dente texture that prevents mushy consistency.
- Fat Management: Thoroughly drain beef fat after browning to reduce greasiness and enhance overall dish healthiness.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add shredded cheese gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth, even melting without clumping.
- Resting Magic: Allow goulash to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to let flavors meld and achieve better serving consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg