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This American beef Goulash is made with melted cheese and it’s a simple one-pot meal that the whole family is going to love! This simple weeknight meal is one you, or your teens, can pull off in a flash on your busiest night.
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Best-Ever Cheesy Goulash
In colder weather months, when all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a hot bowl of cheesy goodness for dinner but don’t want to eat macaroni and cheese this recipe is it. Plus, it’s made with ingredients we all have in our pantry, fridge, and freezer and it’s not coming out of a box.
It’s one of those meals that tastes fully homemade. One that no one complains about either; as a matter of fact, they often grab seconds.
Although, with three kids and a 78-lb dog that always seems to need something; curling up with a hot bowl of food on the couch never happens, but a hot bowl of cheesy goodness? That’s an easy fix.
While the traditional goulash originated in Hungary and is a slow-cooked stew made with cuts of beef and paprika this American version cuts down the cooking time with ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes. I also like to add a little somethin’ cheesy with shredded Cheddar cheese.
I mean, just look at that layer of melted cheese….. YUM.
Annnnd, it’s a crowd pleaser. Despite feeding picky eaters, the first time I made this dish everyone LOVED IT. I’m talking about total silence at the dinner table because everyone was scarfing down their bowl.
The next time, I added chopped spinach right before serving. Another time, I added finely chopped broccoli. Another likes peas… do you get where I’m going with this? Yes, I have picky eaters, but this is one of those meals that became a vessel for a lot of nutritious things.
Ingredients
Yes, this homemade goulash has macaroni and cheese. But just adding a few more simple ingredients, we have a cozy meal that’s ridiculously tasty!
Here’s what you need:
- Dry pasta: I use elbow macaroni, but you can use your favorite regular or gluten-free pasta.
- Olive oil: to use when sautéing
- Aromatics: diced onion and minced garlic cloves.
- Spices: paprika (regular or smoky), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Ground beef: you can also make this recipe using ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Even white beans are an option to make this dish a meatless meal.
- Can crushed tomatoes: the base of the sauce.
- Can fire roasted diced tomatoes: for a delicious smoky Southwestern flavor. You can use regular diced tomatoes if that’s what you have in your pantry.
- Water: for the sauce.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: to make this goulash extra cheesy!
Get the measurements and full directions in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Goulash
One skillet to cook and mix ingredients is everything you need to make this cheesy beef goulash happen. A hearty and nutritious dinner has never been so easy to make!
- Prep
Preheat the oven to 400F. - Sauté
In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until soft, for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 1 or 2 additional minutes. - Brown the meat
Add the ground beef, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook the beef for 7 minutes, until it is cooked through. - Add tomatoes
Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (including the liquid), and water. Bring to a simmer. - Add the pasta
Add the uncooked pasta to the goulash. Cover and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. - Make it cheesy!
Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and return to the oven, uncovered, until the cheese is melted.
Can you freeze this goulash recipe?
I don’t recommend freezing. I would if I could, but cooked pasta doesn’t hold up well in the freezer and results in a mushy consistency when reheated.
You’re better off making a fresh batch. Besides, it tastes so good, you probably won’t have leftovers to freeze, and you can keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What are some of your favorite comfort meals?
One Pot Cheesy Beef Goulash
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup dry elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- In a large, oven proof skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, sauté until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, sauté for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula, as it cooks. Cook for 7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (including the liquid), and water. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta to the goulash. Cover and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the pasta is tender and sauce thickened. Top with cheese and return to the oven, uncovered, until the cheese is melted.
PamKay says
It was ok but not a favorite for us.
Jan says
Hi!
I want to make a double batch. My kids won’t eat diced tomatoes, so I’ll be doubling the crushed tomatoes already.
Should I keep each batch separate and bake separately? Or can I combine into one?
Thanks!
Laura Fuentes says
You can double the ingredients in this recipe (double the batch) and cook it all in the same pot, given that you have one large enough! I also often substitute the diced for crushed (usually because I run out), it’s an easy swap. Enjoy!
Sandy says
Epic beef goulash recipe! Suuuuper cheesy and delicious! I love it!!
Sarah says
So I’ve been making this recipe for many years, and I see I left a comment before, but I don’t think I left a good enough review!! Yes my family has been making this since you first posted it, like I said, but I need to explain that we make this about every other week for YEARS. I don’t need the recipe in front of me anymore, since I’ve made it so much! Lol.
I make the sauce sometimes in a huge batch and freeze or fridge and add noodles, beef stock and water later.
I’ve made it as a gift for new mothers, when someone is going through a hard time, when I have company over, and of course when my kids beg for it. It’s my go to for comfort food, always.
I use smoked paprika, I don’t remember if you suggest it in this post, or if I just did it, but I think it adds so much flavor! And I use extra cheese because we Danes love our cheese
Thank you so much Laura! It’s our favorite recipe ever
Sarah says
Apologies, Laura, I really messed up my review! Did a reply by accident and tried to copy paste it but I think you get the idea
Laura Fuentes says
No worries, Sarah! I definitely appreciate the review and I’m glad you’re family enjoys it.
Jo says
How do you thaw the ground beef?
Laura Fuentes says
Hi Jo! In this quick video I share my 3 methods for thawing ground beef. I hope it’s helpful!
Alison says
Can I omit the fire roasted tomatoes and add another can of crushed tomatoes
Laura Fuentes says
Absolutely. Enjoy!
mary says
Can I use Angel Hair Pasta instead of other pasta since that is why I have on hand right now ? Thank you for any response
Laura Fuentes says
Hi Mary, I haven’t made this recipe using angel hair but going from other skillet pasta recipes, it doesn’t work as well. The pasta is super thin and falls apart more easily compared to macaroni.
Sarah says
So I’ve been making this recipe for many years, and I see I left a comment before, but I don’t think I left a good enough review!! Yes my family has been making this since you first posted it, like I said, but I need to explain that we make this about every other week for YEARS. I don’t need the recipe in front of me anymore, since I’ve made it so much! Lol.
I make the sauce sometimes in a huge batch and freeze or fridge and add noodles, beef stock and water later.
I’ve made it as a gift for new mothers, when someone is going through a hard time, when I have company over, and of course when my kids beg for it. It’s my go to for comfort food, always.
I use smoked paprika, I don’t remember if you suggest it in this post, or if I just did it, but I think it adds so much flavor! And I use extra cheese because we Danes love our cheese
Thank you so much Laura! It’s our favorite recipe ever!
Lisa Geiger says
I made this in my Ninja Foodi and it worked perfectly…I shortened the bake time a little. It’s amazing! Super easy and super well received. So nice to do it all in one dish! Thank you! (My kids love it)
Sharon says
Hi Laura,
Will this recipe still turn out well if I just cook it over the stove top instead of baking it in the oven in the last step?
Laura Fuentes says
Hi Sharon, absolutely. Cook it up in the stove, on low heat, simmering for about 15(ish) until the pasta absorbs the liquid and is tender. Enjoy!
Sharon says
Thank you Laura! It turned out delicious, and so simple and easy to make! I’ve always been apprehensive about adding pasta and cheese to recipes because I felt that I would gain weight easily, but I’m learning that it’s ok to eat it in moderation, and it’s important to enjoy what you are eating!
Laura Fuentes says
Like you, I eat lower-carb but some days… there’s nothing like a bit of pasta to refuel. I am glad you enjoyed this.
Kathy says
Great recipe, and delicious. To freeze: prepare through step four in recipe directions [can add water before freezing, or when ready to use – your choice]. Serving Day: thaw, add water if needed, and bring to a simmer; pick up recipe in step five
Morgan French says
Do you boil the noodles first?
Laura Fuentes says
no, they cook right in the pot.
Sarah says
Hi Laura! I have been finding myself searching your YouTube channel and website more and more. I love how your recipes are quick, easy and good for my family. I am making this goulash right now and I love how quick it came together.
We just finished eating and it was delicious! The pasta came out perfect!
Laura Fuentes says
Thank you for watching my videos Sarah! I’m thrilled this recipe was a hit with your family and I hope many more in the future.
Sarah says
This has been a family favorite since you posted it. Thank you so much!
Laura Fuentes says
I’m so glad! I Just made it last week for my kids and it’s devoured every single time!
Rebecca says
Can you substitute for a different noodle? Spaghetti noodles?
Laura Fuentes says
For sure! use your favorite pasta at 1 cup. If using spaghetti, you’ll need to measure by weight, which is 5 ounces or 150 grams.
Susan says
Could you cook this in a slow cooker instead of the oven?
Laura Fuentes says
For the slow cooker version, brown the beef and transfer to the slow cooker. Add all the ingredients, except the pasta and cheese, to the slow cooker, and cook on high for 2h or 4 on low. 30 minutes before, add the pasta, and continue to cook until tender. Add in the cheese, stir, and serve.