Cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash
Cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash brings back memories of hearty family dinners and warm kitchens. This comforting dish, with its rich flavors and gooey cheese, is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s a simple one-pot meal that combines pasta, meat, and savory ingredients, making it an easy and enjoyable recipe to whip up.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. Second, it’s affordable and uses simple ingredients that you can easily find in your pantry. Lastly, this dish is highly customizable; you can adjust the flavors, add your favorite veggies, or even swap in different types of cheese. Most importantly, it’s delicious and satisfying!
How to Make Cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash
Creating this tasty dish is straightforward. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm bowl of goulash ready in no time!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef or turkey
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp seasoned salt
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add the ground beef or turkey, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, water, Italian seasoning, Adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and cook until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash
Serve Cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash in big bowls, topped with extra cheese if you like. You can pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also makes great leftovers, so feel free to make a big batch!
How to Store Cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash
To store any leftovers, let the goulash cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to label the container with the date.
Tips to Make Cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash
- For extra flavor, consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the mix.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta! It’s best to keep it al dente since it will continue to cook slightly after you take it off the heat.
- If you want a bit more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
Variation
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter version. You can also use different pasta shapes if you prefer; any short pasta works great in this dish.
FAQs
Can I make goulash in advance?
Yes, you can make Cheesy Old Fashioned Goulash in advance. Just follow the recipe, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. It’s a good idea to reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and add more vegetables like spinach or carrots. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese.
Is goulash gluten-free?
Traditional goulash is not gluten-free because of the pasta. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just ensure your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
