Hearty Beef and Tomato Goulash with Cheddar and Macaroni Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
