If you’re on the hunt for the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug—comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor—then this Goulash Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender elbows of pasta, juicy ground beef, a lusciously seasoned tomato sauce, and a bubbling blanket of cheddar cheese, all nestled together in one glorious bake. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this classic dish brings everyone to the table with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Trust me: the Goulash Casserole Recipe always wins smiles, and it’s simple enough for any busy weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Goulash Casserole Recipe is how it brings together everyday pantry staples to create absolute magic. Each ingredient plays a delicious role—adding savoriness, creaminess, spice, and that all-important cheesy goodness. Here’s what you’ll need to make it shine:
- Ground beef: The classic foundation for a hearty casserole, giving depth of flavor and satisfying protein.
- Onion: Chopped onion lends gentle sweetness and complexity to the dish.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced; nothing beats the aroma of freshly sautéed garlic wafting through the kitchen.
- Elbow macaroni: These little noodles hold the sauce beautifully and make every bite pop with texture.
- Tomato sauce: The backbone of that rich, tangy casserole base.
- Diced tomatoes: For a bit of juicy texture and bright tomato flavor in every bite.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce and brings everything together for that robust tomato punch.
- Beef broth: Adds extra savoriness and keeps the casserole perfectly moist.
- Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash deepens flavor with its uniquely zesty, savory note.
- Italian seasoning: A quick way to layer in classic herbal notes—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Paprika: This spice boosts both color and warmth (smoked if you like a hint of earthiness).
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle, crave-worthy heat—add more or less to suit your taste!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melting cheddar gives you that gorgeous, gooey topping every casserole craves.
- Olive oil: Helps everything brown and sizzle to perfection without sticking.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple, essential seasonings that tie it all together—season to taste.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a sprinkle of freshness and a pop of color just before serving.
How to Make Goulash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by getting your oven nice and toasty—preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While that’s happening, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray. This step makes sure your Goulash Casserole Recipe doesn’t stick and comes out with those crispy, crave-able edges.
Step 2: Cook the Elbow Macaroni
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add your elbow macaroni. Cook just until al dente, according to the package directions. You want them to have a slight bite, since they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside—you’re already halfway to deliciousness.
Step 3: Sauté the Beef, Onion, and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté until the beef is beautifully browned and the onions are soft and translucent, breaking up any large clumps as you go. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. If there’s any excess fat, go ahead and drain it off.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
This is where the magic happens! Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will deepen and become irresistibly savory—go on, give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta straight into the skillet with your sauce. Stir until every noodle is lovingly coated in that tomatoey, beefy goodness. Make sure everything is well mixed, then transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Bake
The best part: sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Slide your casserole into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden crown of cheese that smells absolutely irresistible. Once it’s out, let it cool for a few minutes—then garnish with chopped parsley if you like a bit of green freshness.
How to Serve Goulash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A good garnish does more than just look pretty. For this Goulash Casserole Recipe, a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a touch of brightness that wakes up each serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced green onions also offer a lovely finish. Even a dash of extra cheese, right before serving, will make each plate feel special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with simple sides takes dinner to a whole new level. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or steamed green beans for more color and crunch. These sides help balance the savory heartiness of the Goulash Casserole Recipe, making the meal feel fresh and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow everyone at the table? Spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for adorable, single-serve portions. Or, pack leftovers into a thermos for a cozy work or school lunch. Try serving it as a filling in baked bell peppers or hollowed zucchini boats for a fun twist—kids and adults both love this playful presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Goulash Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or a quick, no-fuss dinner later in the week.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it a lifesaver for busy schedules. Let it cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly with foil or portion servings into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a portion into the microwave or return the casserole to a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered, until heated through. If you want to refresh that ‘oven-baked’ texture, uncover for the last few minutes so the cheese gets nice and melty again. Add a splash of broth if it looks like it needs a moisture boost.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta for this Goulash Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use penne, rotini, or any short pasta you have on hand. Just aim for a shape that holds sauce well so every bite is full of flavor.
Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. All the rich flavors in the sauce will make your vegetarian version just as satisfying.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The Goulash Casserole Recipe has a gentle warmth if you add the red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to dial up or down. Omit them for a milder casserole, or add a pinch more if your crowd loves heat.
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix things up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a touch of Parmesan for extra depth. A blend of cheeses gives you a perfectly gooey casserole topping every time.
Final Thoughts
No matter the occasion, there’s just something magical about bringing a piping hot dish of this Goulash Casserole Recipe to the table. It’s the kind of comfort food everyone craves—and now, you can make it with confidence in your own kitchen. If you’re looking for a tried-and-true family dinner, give this recipe a go and see how quickly it becomes a regular request. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
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Goulash Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Goulash Casserole recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender elbow macaroni, flavorful ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce, all baked together with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare Beef Mixture: Brown ground beef and onion, add garlic, then stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Combine and Bake: Mix in cooked pasta, transfer to baking dish, top with cheddar cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef.
- For added veggies, include diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1½ cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
