Cheesy Italian Ground Beef Goulash

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.

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