Description
This comforting Goulash Casserole combines tender ground beef, savory vegetables, and elbow macaroni in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it’s an easy one-dish meal that bakes to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- Salt, to taste
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown Beef and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the paprika, dried oregano, and black pepper to season the mixture evenly.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and low-sodium beef broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and stir everything together so the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content in the dish.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce when browning the beef.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten free, substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
