Let me tell you, this Hearty Ground Beef Goulash with Cheddar and Pasta Recipe is one of those comforting classics that just hits the spot every single time. I love this dish because it comes together in one pot, making it super easy for busy weeknights when you want something cozy without a lot of fuss. Plus, the combination of tender elbow macaroni and rich, melty cheddar mixed with savory ground beef and a tomato-based sauce is seriously satisfying.
When I first tried this recipe, I was immediately hooked — it’s that perfect blend of hearty and cheesy that my family goes crazy for. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that taste better the next day, this is your go-to. The best part? You don’t have to be a chef to nail it—I’ll walk you through everything so you end up with a bowl full of pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax.
- Kid-Friendly Comfort: The cheesy pasta and ground beef combo always wins over picky eaters.
- Versatile and Filling: Perfect as a hearty weeknight meal or to feed a hungry crowd.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily swap ingredients or add veggies, making it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Hearty Ground Beef Goulash with Cheddar and Pasta Recipe work in perfect harmony to build layers of flavor and texture. Most of these staples are probably already in your pantry or fridge, and I always recommend using fresh garlic and good-quality cheddar for the best results.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Gives a subtle richness and helps soften your onions without overpowering.
- Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked down slowly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings that warm, savory aroma essential to any comforting dish.
- Ground beef: I use 80/20 for a nice balance of flavor and moisture.
- Kosher salt: Always season as you go to keep flavors vibrant.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds that gentle kick and complexity.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes: I like fire-roasted for a smoky touch, but any canned will do.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich base for the goulash.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Helps simmer everything together with savory depth without too much salt.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that rounds out the tomato and beef perfectly.
- Paprika: Adds a sweet, smoky warmth and beautiful color.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and cooks in the pot.
- Shredded cheddar: Sharp cheddar melts into creamy pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish.
Variations
I love playing around with this Hearty Ground Beef Goulash with Cheddar and Pasta Recipe to keep it fresh and suit different cravings. Once you get the base down, feel free to tweak spices, add veggies, or swap proteins to make it your own.
- Vegetable Boost: I often toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or a handful of spinach for extra nutrition and color.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice little kick without overpowering the comforting flavors.
- Turkey or Chicken: I’ve swapped ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter version that still tastes great.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How to Make Hearty Ground Beef Goulash with Cheddar and Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Build Flavor
Start heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I like to take my time with this step—add chopped onions and gently cook them until they’re soft and translucent, about 7 minutes. This slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness. Then toss in the garlic and cook for another minute just until fragrant. This makes a savory base you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Perfectly
Next, add the ground beef straight into the skillet. Season it with kosher salt and pepper—seasoning at this stage is key to infusing the meat with flavor. Break it up with your spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 6 minutes. I like to drain off excess fat here to keep the dish from getting greasy without losing juiciness.
Step 3: Add Tomato Goodness & Pasta
Stir in the tomato paste to coat the meat, concentrating that rich tomato flavor. Then pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, followed by Italian seasoning and paprika. Now, stir in the elbow macaroni and bring everything to a gentle simmer. You’ll cook this, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender which takes about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it and give it a stir now and then so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheddar & Finish with Parsley
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into delicious, creamy pockets throughout the goulash. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed. Finally, remove the pan from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top—this little pop of green makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Pro Tips for Making Hearty Ground Beef Goulash with Cheddar and Pasta Recipe
- Drain Excess Fat: Removing extra grease after browning keeps the sauce from getting oily and improves texture.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the heat medium-low when cooking pasta in the sauce to avoid sticking or burning on the bottom.
- Use Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a richer cheesy flavor than mild varieties.
- Stir Frequently: Stirring occasionally while pasta cooks prevents clumps and ensures even cooking.
How to Serve Hearty Ground Beef Goulash with Cheddar and Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this goulash with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley— it brightens up the dish and adds a nice fresh note. Sometimes I add a few dashes of hot sauce on my plate for a bit of heat, but that’s just me!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to keep things balanced. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a great addition for soaking up the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when entertaining, serve this goulash in mini cast-iron skillets or hollowed-out bread bowls—everyone loves something a little unexpected. You can also top it with extra shredded cheddar and broil briefly for a bubbly golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover goulash stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to cool it completely before sealing so the pasta doesn’t get mushy from steam buildup.
Freezing
I’ve had great luck freezing this recipe in meal-sized portions. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture nice and even.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce well, you can swap in small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne depending on what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since pasta sizes differ.
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Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta, making sure to check the cooking time since gluten-free pasta tends to cook differently. Also, double-check your broth and tomato products for any gluten ingredients.
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How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the goulash occasionally while the pasta cooks, especially during the first few minutes, to prevent clumps or sticking at the bottom of the pan. Also, using enough broth and moderate heat helps the pasta cook evenly without sticking.
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Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the goulash a day ahead and refrigerate it—flavors tend to deepen overnight. Just reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Hearty Ground Beef Goulash with Cheddar and Pasta Recipe turns out every single time—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that feels like home no matter the season, and I hope you have as much fun making (and eating) it as I do sharing it with my family. Give it a try on your next busy night—you won’t regret it!
Print
Hearty Ground Beef Goulash with Cheddar and Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic American goulash recipe features a hearty mix of ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a savory tomato sauce seasoned with Italian herbs and paprika. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, it’s a comforting one-pot meal perfect for family dinners, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until no longer pink and fully browned, about 6 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Tomato Base and Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste to coat the beef mixture evenly. Then add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and low-sodium beef broth. Season with Italian seasoning and paprika. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Macaroni: Stir in the elbow macaroni. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender but not mushy, about 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure the sauce thickens slightly and the pasta absorbs the flavors.
- Finish with Cheese and Parsley: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt level in the dish.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute elbow macaroni with a gluten-free pasta variety.
- For a richer flavor, use a sharp cheddar cheese or add a bit of smoked paprika.
- Stir frequently when simmering the macaroni to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
