Irresistible Cheesy Baked Goulash Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, warm, and downright comforting meal, this Cheesy Baked Goulash is a winner in every kitchen. Combining tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, ground beef, and a generous blend of melted cheeses, it’s the ultimate comfort food that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want a satisfying dinner to savor, Cheesy Baked Goulash delivers creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Get ready to discover a recipe that’s simple to make but stunningly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This dish delivers warmth and satisfaction perfect for cozy nights or family dinners.
• Easy One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, and cheese without breaking the bank.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adjusted to fit dietary preferences or ingredient substitutions without losing flavor.
• Kid-Friendly Flavor: Cheesy sauce and mild seasoning make it a hit among picky eaters and grown-ups alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Baked Goulash lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing to a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From savory meat to creamy cheeses and sweet tomato sauce, your taste buds will thank you for every component included.

• Ground beef: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein to make this dish satisfying and hearty.
• Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and gives the dish a nostalgic feel.
• Diced tomatoes: Brings acidity, sweetness, and color that brightens the cheesy base.
• Tomato sauce: Deepens flavor and creates a luscious sauce that ties everything together.
• Onion and garlic: Provide foundational aromatic flavors that elevate the overall dish.
• Cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, melty richness that is essential for that gooey finish.
• Mozzarella cheese: Gives a buttery stretch and smooth creaminess to the cheese topping.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy sauce that makes every bite smooth and comforting.
• Butter and flour: The base of a roux to thicken the sauce, ensuring every scoop is rich and velvety.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika add depth without overpowering the cheesy goodness.

Variations for Cheesy Baked Goulash

One of the best parts about Cheesy Baked Goulash is how easily you can adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative with these ideas and make the dish truly your own.

• Vegetarian Style: Swap ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles for a meat-free twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring some heat to the cheesy dish.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda for diverse cheese flavors.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blends for a safe option.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutrition and add fresh texture.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Goulash

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic in butter until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let simmer for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

Mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, then fold in most of the cheese sauce, reserving a little for the topping. Pour everything into a greased baking dish, spread the remaining cheese sauce on top for a beautiful golden crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is lightly browned.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Goulash

• Don’t overcook pasta: Under-cook slightly to prevent mushiness after baking.
• Use fresh cheese: Grate cheese from blocks rather than pre-shredded for better melting quality.
• Let it rest: Allow the dish to cool for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
• Mix sauces gently: Fold cheese sauce carefully into pasta to maintain texture and avoid clumping.
• Customize seasoning: Taste sauce before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to your preference.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Goulash

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil for a bright herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the richness. A light dusting of paprika on top also adds an inviting color pop and subtle smoky flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness and balance. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect to soak up every last bit of the cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant touch, or present it family-style in a rustic casserole dish for a cozy, welcoming vibe. You can even sprinkle a layer of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for delightful crunch and golden appearance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Cheesy Baked Goulash into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3-4 days, allowing flavors to deepen over time.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully—just cool completely, then freeze in a covered dish or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve texture and avoid drying out. Alternatively, microwave covered on medium power, stirring occasionally, for faster reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, penne, rotini, or shells all work great and will hold the sauce deliciously.

Is ground turkey a good substitute for ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and will still provide plenty of flavor, especially if you add extra seasoning or sautéed onions and garlic.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based milk, you can enjoy this dish without dairy. Just ensure the cheese substitutes melt well for best results.

How spicy is this dish?

Cheesy Baked Goulash is generally mild, but you can easily add spices like red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate before baking, making it a convenient option for busy evenings.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Baked Goulash is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent yet homey, simple yet impressive. It combines familiar ingredients into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’s ease itself to customize and share. Whether you’re cooking for kids, guests, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Related Posts

• Craving Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Skillet Tonight?
• How to Make Spicy Garlic Butter Shrimp Fast
• Why Sweet Bourbon Peach Salmon Recipe Works Every Time

Print