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Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 559 reviews

Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting American casserole featuring tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, and melted cheddar cheese baked to bubbly perfection. This classic dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the goulash.
  2. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for 3 minutes less than the package directions indicate to keep it slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onions. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish leaner.
  4. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Add Sauces: Pour in Worcestershire sauce, canned tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined to build the flavorful sauce base.
  6. Season the Sauce: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
  7. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the skillet with the meat sauce. Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
  8. Bake the Goulash: If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the goulash is bubbling and the cheese has melted completely. If the skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake under the same conditions.

Notes

  • For convenience, use a heat-safe skillet to eliminate the need for transferring to a baking dish.
  • Adjust the salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference or dietary needs.
  • Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein variation.
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash,American Goulash,Hearty Casserole,Ground Beef Pasta Casserole,Cheesy Goulash

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/old-fashioned-goulash-recipe/