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Cheesy Baked Goulash

Cheesy Baked Goulash
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Cheesy Baked Goulash is a comforting and hearty casserole combining tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and a luscious blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This easy, budget-friendly one-pan meal delivers creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite, perfect for cozy family dinners and versatile enough to customize to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Tomato Base

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter (for roux)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing)

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp paprika

Instructions

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

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy baked goulash, comfort food, baked pasta casserole, ground beef casserole, easy family dinner, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/cheesy-baked-goulash/