Old Fashioned Goulash with Cheddar Cheese Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
