Goulash Casserole Recipe
If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that brings smiles to the dinner table, this Goulash Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful blend of ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with smoky paprika and oregano. Baked with melty cheddar cheese on top, this casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe balances flavor and ease with every step, making it an irresistible classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Goulash Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each add their own charm—meaty richness, fresh crunch, tangy tomato goodness, and that luscious cheesy finish. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this dish come alive.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that carries all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A burst of aromatic warmth that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped: Provides a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce and cheese wonderfully.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings juicy texture and tangy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness adds depth and richness.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Smoky spice that gives the casserole its signature warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy herbaceous notes balance the savory flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough gentle heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth: Adds moisture and enhances the meaty base without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and golden—the perfect finishing touch.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): A fresh herbaceous sprinkle that brightens the final dish.
How to Make Goulash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven warms, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. You want that tender bite without mushiness because it will continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on the flavorful beef mixture.
Step 2: Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain the excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until the vegetables soften and develop a slight caramelization. As they cook, stir in the paprika, oregano, and black pepper—these spices are what give the casserole its classic, savory flavor profile.
Step 3: Simmer Sauce
Now it’s time to bring the tomatoes and broth into the mix. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer gently for a few minutes. This simmering step lets the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly, creating a luscious base for the pasta.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
Once your sauce is nicely simmered, fold in the cooked elbow macaroni. Mix everything thoroughly so that every piece of pasta is coated with that rich, spiced tomato and beef sauce—it’s the heart of the Goulash Casserole Recipe’s irresistible appeal.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer your combined pasta and meat mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. This final step creates that irresistible cheesy crust that everyone loves.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to scoop and enjoy all the layers of flavor and texture united in this classic comfort dish.
How to Serve Goulash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a lovely pop of green and a mild herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. You can also try a few red pepper flakes if you love a little heat, but the paprika already provides a wonderful warmth that’s cozy and inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables balances out the meal with some fresh textures. Garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side also makes for perfect dipping into that cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Goulash Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at dinner parties. Alternatively, layer it in a shallow rectangular dish for a family-style gathering, allowing everyone to pile their plates high with cheesy, meaty goodness. Top with different cheeses like mozzarella or a blend for a unique flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers almost better than fresh. Just be sure it cools down before sealing it tight.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead in bulk, the casserole freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling, portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can last up to 2 months frozen without significant loss in texture or taste.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm it up in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through and the cheese gets melty again. Alternatively, microwave single servings for convenience but be mindful to cover it loosely to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make lighter alternatives and still pair well with the spices and sauce in the Goulash Casserole Recipe. Just be mindful to cook them thoroughly and possibly adjust seasonings if desired.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can swap the beef for plant-based ground meat substitutes or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian spin. Just keep the same seasoning to maintain the classic flavor profile.
What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
Feel free to swap with any small pasta shape such as shells, rotini, or penne. The key is choosing pasta that holds sauce well and bakes nicely in a casserole.
How spicy is the Goulash Casserole Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to moderate warmth coming from paprika and black pepper, making it family-friendly. You can always add extra chili powder or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You might need to adjust baking time slightly, but the casserole will still be delicious and comforting.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Goulash Casserole Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings. I can’t recommend enough giving this classic dish a try—you just might find it becomes your go-to comfort food for years to come.
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Goulash Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Goulash Casserole recipe combines ground beef, vegetables, and tender elbow macaroni in a rich tomato and paprika sauce, baked to perfection with a melted cheddar cheese topping. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that serves 8.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
Pasta and Sauces
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings and Broth
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly. Once cooked, drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are soft and tender. Stir in the paprika, dried oregano, and black pepper to season the mixture well.
- Simmer Sauce: To the skillet, add the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and low-sodium beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni directly into the skillet with the beef and tomato sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
