Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans petit diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the goulash later.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for 3 minutes less than the package directions to keep it slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Ground Beef and Onions: Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and finely chopped onions. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook for 6-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine these flavorful components.
- Season: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and taste the sauce, adjusting seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
- Mix Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet mixture. Stir to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Bake: If your skillet is oven-safe, place it directly in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the goulash is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake on the middle rack for the same amount of time.
Notes
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder as a shortcut.
- For a creamier texture, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese before baking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lower-fat version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American