Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is designed for busy home cooks, requiring just one pot and common ingredients.
- Comfort Food at its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for satisfying cravings.
- Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and ground beef, this meal is economical without sacrificing flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty dish, making it a great option for family dinners.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: This goulash keeps well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients for Creamy and Cheesy Beef Goulash
To make this delicious casserole-style goulash, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – Choose lean ground beef for less grease, or drain excess fat if using higher-fat beef.
- 1 large onion, chopped – Adds depth of flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for a savory base.
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced – Adds color and a slight sweetness.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – Forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice – Adds texture and flavor to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth – Keeps the pasta moist and flavorful as it cooks.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni – Traditional pasta for goulash, though you can substitute with any short pasta.
- 1 tsp paprika – Adds a mild smokiness that pairs well with the beef.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – For a hint of herbal aroma.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Adjust to your preference.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce, making it creamy.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds stretchiness and additional creaminess.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional) – Makes the dish extra creamy.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish – Optional, but adds a touch of freshness and color.
