If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together in no time, this Italian Goulash is here to save the day! This classic comfort food recipe combines the savory goodness of ground beef, and onions all enveloped in creamy macaroni. It's a one-pot wonder that will leave you craving more.
Why you will love this recipe
This Italian Goulash is packed with savory goodness and comforting flavors that will warm your soul. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy sauce, and tangy marinara creates a delightful and satisfying taste.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this easy goulash recipe is easy to follow and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This goulash is a hit with both kids and adults alike. So the whole family will love it!
With affordable and accessible ingredients like ground beef and macaroni, this recipe won't break the bank while still providing a hearty and easy meal.
This you want to serve a homemade slice of bread with it try this easy Cooking bread in the Dutch Oven recipe.
The ingredients
You will need these simple ingredients to make this Italian Goulash
Notes on the ingredients
Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option or use regular ground beef for a richer flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted if you prefer a lighter alternative.
Olive Oil
Onion: Finely chopped onion provides a savory base for the goulash. You can use yellow, white, or red onions based on your preference. Onions also add natural sweetness to the dish.
Worcestershire Sauce: This condiment adds depth and umami to the goulash. It complements the beef's flavor and gives the dish a slightly tangy note.
Garlic Powder
Salt and Black Pepper
Milk: Whole milk contributes to the creamy texture of the goulash. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk.
Beef Broth: Beef broth provides a rich and savory base for the goulash sauce. Use low-sodium broth if you want to control the salt content.
Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for goulash, but you can use other small pasta shapes like penne or rotini if desired.
Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce brings a burst of tomato flavor and tanginess to the goulash. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade sauce for a personal touch.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a delicious flavor to the goulash. You can use other types of cheese or a blend of cheeses to customize the dish.
How to make this Italian Goulash; Step by Step
- In a large pot, add the olive oil and cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is completely cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Cook for a minute or two.
Reduce to medium heat and pour in the milk, beef broth, uncooked elbow macaroni, and marinara sauce. Bring to a boil. lower the heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot with a lid for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat, Stir in cheddar cheese and mix to combine all the ingredients.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Ground Beef Macaroni Goulash turns out perfect:
Make sure to fully cook and brown the ground beef before adding other ingredients. Breaking up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks will create a more uniform texture throughout the goulash.
Use whole milk for a creamier texture, but if you prefer a lighter option, low-fat milk can work as well.
Be sure not to overcook the macaroni; it should be tender but not mushy.
Use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or try making your own for a truly personalized touch.
Variations
Cook the ground beef and onions as usual, but also add cooked and crumbled bacon to the mixture.
Add a Mexican twist by seasoning the ground beef with taco seasoning or a blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Replace the marinara sauce with salsa or enchilada sauce.
Try using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese, or even adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added depth of flavor.
Storage
Refrigeration:
Allow the goulash to cool to room temperature before storing.
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
Transfer the cooled goulash into freezer-safe containers.
Goulash can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Thawing:
To thaw frozen goulash, place it in the refrigerator overnight in the fridge.
FAQ
Yes, you can experiment with different sauces to personalize the flavors. Tomato sauce can be used as alternative to marinara sauce.
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables such as bell green pepper, carrots, peas, or fresh mushrooms. Sauté them along with the ground beef and onions
Pasta Recipes you will love
Cheesy Ground Beef Italian Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot, add the olive oil and cook the ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until the beef is completely cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Cook for a minute or two.
- Reduce to medium heat and pour in the milk, beef broth, uncooked elbow macaroni, and marinara sauce. Bring to a boil. lower the heat to a gentle simmer, covering the pot with a lid for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Remove the pot from the heat, Stir in cheddar cheese and mix to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately
Gloria
Comfort food is the best. Perfect for any night of the week. Great for batch cooking and putting some in the freezer for easy meals down the road.
Sophie Viau
Hey Gloria!
Yes, It's perfect for batch cooking, making extra servings, and freezing them for later. Having a delicious and comforting meal readily available in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
Marta
I grew up eating a boxed version of cheesy beef goulash so it was no surprise that this version was ten times better. I loved the flavors that the marinara sauce gave the dish and the cheesiness was a hit with my kiddos.
Sophie Viau
Hey Marta,
That's wonderful to hear! Homemade versions of classic dishes often surpass the boxed versions in flavor and satisfaction.
Sean
This was such an easy and flavorful dish. I loved how it took less than 30 minutes to make which was perfect for my cousins that love pasta.
Sophie Viau
Hey Sean,
I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the dish and found it easy to prepare! Quick and flavorful recipes are always a hit, especially when you have pasta lovers to please!
Jacqueline Debono
This is such an easy family meal and so tasty. I have made it twice recently. Leftovers are great baked!
Sophie Viau
I'm thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed the meal and that the leftovers were just as delicious when baked. It's always a bonus when a dish can be enjoyed more than once!
MSL
A simple and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Saves well as leftovers too!
Sophie Viau
Absolutely! Simple and easy recipes are great for busy weeknights, and it's wonderful to hear that it saved well as leftovers. That's a perfect way to make the most out of your cooking efforts.
Susan
What a fantastic easy weeknight dinner - especially for school nights that begin soon for so many families!
Sophie Viau
It's perfect for those back-to-school evenings when time is limited, but you still want to enjoy a delicious meal.
Megane
Such an easy and flavor-packed goulash. I love the use of ground beef. It made the goulash so quick and easy too.
Sophie Viau
I'm glad you enjoyed the goulash! Ground beef is indeed a great choice for this recipe, as it cooks quickly and adds a delicious flavor to the dish. It's a perfect comfort food that can be prepared in no time, making it a go-to option for busy weeknight.
Amy
The perfect quick one pot dinner! I needed a tasty and easy dinner recipe and this goulash was a hit with my family.
Sophie Viau
Hey Amy,
I'm thrilled to hear that the goulash was a hit with your family! One-pot dinners are a lifesaver when it comes to quick and easy meals.
Moop Brown
This goulash seems like a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy and also seems easy to make.
Sophie Viau
Hi Moop!
Absolutely! Goulash is indeed a comforting and flavorful meal that tends to be loved by many. Its simplicity in preparation and delicious taste make it a popular choice for family dinners or gatherings.
Jess
LOVE a good goulash! Perfect our busy weeknights
Sophie Viau
Absolutely, a hearty goulash can be such a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Its comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a great go-to option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Anjali
This was such an easy dinner for our family last night! I didn't have macaroni, so I used penne instead and it still turned out great!
Sophie Viau
I'm glad to hear that the recipe worked well for you with penne instead of macaroni! Pasta dishes are often quite adaptable to different types of pasta shapes
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
The step-by-step instructions made the cooking process a breeze, and the end result was met with rave reviews from my family. It's the perfect balance of indulgence and nostalgia, and I can already tell this will become a regular on our dinner table. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
Sophie Viau
You're very welcome! I'm thrilled to hear that the step-by-step instructions were helpful and that your family enjoyed the cookies.
Sara Welch
Served this for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! Turned out easy, hearty and delicious; definitely, a new family favorite recipe!
Sophie Viau
Hi Sara,
I'm delighted to hear that the recipe was a hit at your dinner and that it's now a new family favorite!