Description
There’s nothing quite like a big, hearty pot of Old Fashioned Goulash to bring warmth to your home and satisfy your family’s cravings. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening, hosting a family gathering, or just looking for a simple yet flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. With a blend of aromatic spices, tender beef or turkey, and pasta soaked in a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s a meal that both adults and kids can enjoy together. Plus, it’s topped off with a delicious layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy twist!
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef or turkey
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 ½ cups water
½ cup beef broth
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon adobo seasoning
3 bay leaves
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
½ tablespoon black pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it into small pieces. Continue cooking until browned and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, and sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Return the browned meat to the pan. Add the water, beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Add the Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and simmer on medium-low heat for 20 minutes, covered, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the pan and allow it to simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt into the mixture.
- Just before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and cover the pan for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly. Stir it into the goulash for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery for added nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic and onion.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- This recipe can be customized with different cheese options, such as parmesan or provolone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour