Old Fashioned Goulash with Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Old Fashioned Goulash with Cheddar Cheese is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and cheesy pasta for a classic family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 30 oz tomato sauce
• 30 oz diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded is best)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for about 4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in the beef broth, water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Step 4: Cover and simmer the mixture for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Add the uncooked elbow pasta to the pot, stir, and continue to simmer covered. Stir frequently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use freshly minced garlic instead of pre-minced.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Try using different pasta shapes like rotini or shells if elbow pasta is unavailable.
• Top with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the goulash ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just reheat thoroughly before serving. The pasta may absorb more sauce, so adding a little extra broth when reheating helps maintain the texture.

Can I freeze Old Fashioned Goulash?

This dish freezes well. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Old Fashioned Goulash with Cheddar Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

This Old Fashioned Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef simmered with tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, combined with elbow pasta and topped with sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

Liquids and Sauces

• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 30 oz tomato sauce
• 30 oz diced tomatoes

Seasonings

• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Pasta and Cheese

• 2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded is best)

Instructions

1. Cook the ground beef: Add 1 lb of ground beef to a large Dutch oven or pot and cook over medium heat until browned and fully cooked through. Drain and remove any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced white onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Cook for about 4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, letting the garlic release its aroma.
3. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in 1/2 cup beef broth, 2 1/2 cups water, 30 oz tomato sauce, and 30 oz diced tomatoes. Stir in 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
4. Simmer the sauce: Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Cook the pasta: Stir in 2 1/2 cups of uncooked elbow pasta. Cover and continue to simmer for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
6. Finish with cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Discard the bay leaves, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top. Allow the residual heat to melt the cheese before serving for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Notes

• For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered during the pasta cooking stage to reduce excess liquid.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
• Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
• Leftovers reheat well and often taste better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Keywords: Old Fashioned Goulash, Ground Beef Goulash, Cheesy Goulash, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food