Baked American Goulash

Looking for a hearty and comforting dinner that's quick to prepare? Baked American Goulash is the perfect solution. This classic dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. It's simple, satisfying, and loved by kids and adults alike.

This baked version takes traditional American goulash to the next level, enhancing its flavor and texture with an oven-baked finish. Whether you're feeding a busy family or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe is budget-friendly, easy to make, and packed with flavor.

Discover how to bring this timeless favorite to your table with just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked American Goulash is the ultimate comfort food. It’s a perfect balance of hearty flavors, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a simple meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Quick and Easy
This recipe requires minimal prep and uses one dish for baking. You’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time, with less cleanup afterward.

Budget-Friendly
The ingredients are simple and affordable. Most are pantry staples, making this an economical meal for any night of the week.

Kid-Approved
With its cheesy topping and savory pasta base, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.

Customizable
Tailor the recipe to fit your preferences. You can switch up the protein, adjust the spice level, or add more vegetables. It’s versatile and easy to make your own.

Once you try this baked version of American Goulash, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients Breakdown

When making Baked American Goulash, each ingredient serves a key role in creating its delicious flavor and hearty texture. Here's what you'll need:

Meat

    • Use ground beef or ground turkey as the protein base.

    • Both options provide a rich, satisfying flavor, with turkey offering a leaner alternative.

Vegetables

    • Diced onion adds a mild sweetness that enhances the dish’s depth.

    • Green bell pepper is optional but provides a fresh, slightly crisp texture.

Tomato Base

    • Diced tomatoes (15 oz can, undrained) give a chunky, tangy layer of flavor.

    • Tomato sauce (15 oz can) creates a smooth, rich base for the dish.

Seasonings and Spices

    • Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami kick.

    • Italian seasoning delivers a balanced herbal flavor.

    • Paprika enhances the dish with mild, earthy warmth.

    • Optional red pepper flakes bring subtle heat for spice lovers.

    • Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.

Pasta

    • Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for this dish.

    • It holds the sauce well and provides the perfect chewy texture.

Cheese

    • Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy and golden topping.

    • Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty layer of flavor.

Optional Garnish

    • Fresh parsley provides a vibrant pop of color and a touch of brightness to the dish.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to create a flavorful, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Time Table

    • 10 minutes: Food prep (chopping onion, garlic, bell pepper)

    • 5 minutes: Cooking beef

    • 3-5 minutes: Cooking onion and bell pepper

    • 1/2 minutes: Cooking garlic

    • 5 minutes: Assembling dish

    • 35-40 minutes: Baking dish to develop flavor

    • 5-10 minutes: Baking dish with cheese topping

    • 10-15 minutes: Resting

This dish takes at most 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to serve.

Baked American Goulash

Baked American Goulash is a hearty, one-pot comfort meal made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to satisfy the whole family.

 
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
  • 1 cup diced green bell pepper (optional)
  • 1 can (15 oz diced tomatoes, undrained)
  • 1 can (15 oz tomato sauce)
  • 1 1/4 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
  • 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/4 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 tsp fresh Parsley (chopped (for garnish))

Preheat the Oven

  1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Meat Sauce

  1. Cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set in heat safe bowl.
  2. Add 1 cup onion and 1 cup diced green bell pepper. If needed, add up to 3 tsp of oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Add beef back into pan.
  5. Stir in 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce, 1 1/4 cups beef broth, 3 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 3 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Assemble in a Baking Dish

  1. Pour the sauce mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Bake to Develop Flavor

  1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 25 Minutes.

Bake Pasta

  1. Add pasta making sure to stir well. Return to the oven covered and bake for about 10 minutes.
  2. Add the Cheese Topping
  3. Remove the foil and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  4. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Rest and Serve

  1. Let the goulash rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
 
Main Course
American, Italian
bake, cheese, ground beef, pasta

Variations and Substitutions

1. Swap the Protein
Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a lighter or different flavor. For a plant-based option, replace meat with crumbled tofu, lentils, or black beans.

2. Make It Vegetarian
Skip the meat entirely and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Chickpeas or kidney beans also work well for added protein.

3. Adjust the Spice Level
Love spice? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, skip the red pepper altogether.

4. Go Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free elbow macaroni or other gluten-free pasta shapes. Be sure to check that your beef broth or bouillon is also gluten-free.

5. Experiment with Cheese
Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend instead of cheddar. For a sharper flavor, use aged Parmesan or Gruyère.

6. Add Extra Vegetables
Sneak in more nutrients by adding diced carrots, celery, or even frozen peas. These blend seamlessly into the sauce.

7. Bulk It Up for a Crowd
Double the recipe and bake in two dishes. This is perfect for potlucks or feeding a large family.

These variations make the recipe flexible and easy to tailor to your taste and dietary needs. Don't hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the goulash up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the recipe instructions but allow a few extra minutes of baking time if the dish is cold.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover goulash in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

3. Can I freeze baked goulash?
Absolutely. Allow the goulash to cool completely. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

4. Can I substitute the pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any short pasta, such as penne or shells. Adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the pasta cooks properly.

5. How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef or turkey with plant-based crumbles, cooked lentils, or extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

6. What can I do if the dish seems dry?
If the goulash looks dry during baking, stir in a splash of beef broth or water. Cover it again with foil to retain moisture.

By addressing these common questions, you can enjoy this recipe with confidence, whether cooking for the first time or customizing it to suit your needs.

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