Hearty Beef and Tomato Goulash with Cheddar and Macaroni Recipe

Introduction

This classic goulash is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender ground beef, flavorful tomatoes, and cheesy elbow macaroni. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 lb. ground beef
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Finely chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste to coat the beef mixture, then pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add Italian seasoning and paprika. Stir in the elbow macaroni.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking and stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve topped with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier goulash, stir in a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
• Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta, and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free as well.

Can I prepare goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely. Goulash can be made a day in advance and reheated. In fact, the flavors develop more after resting overnight.

Hearty Beef and Tomato Goulash with Cheddar and Macaroni Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 66 reviews

This hearty and comforting Goulash recipe features ground beef simmered with tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika, combined with tender elbow macaroni and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner, this skillet meal is packed with flavor and comes together quickly with common pantry ingredients.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 lb. ground beef

Seasonings and Sauces

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp. paprika

Other Ingredients

• 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Finely chopped fresh parsley, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
2. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add tomato and seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste to coat the meat evenly. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and low-sodium beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning and paprika. Stir in the elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Finish with cheese and garnish: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Drain the fat after browning the beef to reduce greasiness and excess fat.
• Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
• Elbow macaroni can be substituted with other small pasta shapes like penne or rotini if preferred.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the seasoning step.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: goulash, ground beef recipe, one-pan dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, pasta skillet, beef and pasta