Cheesy Baked Goulash Recipe: A Hearty Comfort Food Classic
Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than this Cheesy Baked Goulash recipe! Packed with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped off with gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your household. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, including variations for keto and low-carb diets, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked), or any other pasta of your choice
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon paprika (preferably Hungarian)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: While the beef is cooking, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, cooked pasta, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Layer the Ingredients: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top of the goulash.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the goulash from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the goulash for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the ground beef.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the goulash for an extra kick.
- Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella cheese are classic choices for this dish, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, or provolone, to suit your taste preferences.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make a keto or low-carb version of this dish, simply make the following substitutions:
- Pasta Replacement: Instead of elbow macaroni, use spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to reduce the carb content.
- Tomato Sauce Alternative: Look for sugar-free or low-carb tomato sauce options at your local grocery store, or make your own using fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- Cheese Adjustments: Use full-fat cheese varieties and adjust the quantity according to your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the goulash up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it according to the recipe instructions.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this goulash freezes well. Simply portion it into individual servings, place them in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Certainly! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as ground poultry tends to cook faster than beef.
Cheesy Baked Goulash is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner party, this hearty and flavorful dish is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade goulash!