Goulash

Goulash is like a cozy hug for your taste buds. It’s a mix of chili and macaroni with cheese – a fusion of flavors that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You don’t need fancy skills or a long list of ingredients; it’s simple and affordable.

To start, cook a pound of ground beef in a big pan until it’s brown. Add chopped onions and garlic, letting them cook until the onions turn clear. Sprinkle in some chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans. Let it all simmer for about 10 minutes.

While that’s bubbling away, boil some elbow macaroni until it’s just right. In another pot, make a smooth cheese sauce with butter, flour, and milk. Melt in cheddar cheese until it’s all creamy.

Combine the beef mix with the cheesy macaroni in a big bowl. Stir it up so everything gets coated nicely. Then, transfer it to a baking dish, top it with more cheese, and bake until it’s bubbly and golden – about 20 minutes.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a little extra something. The result is a simple, hearty meal that’s both comforting and tasty. Plus, leftovers are no problem – it reheats well for another round of deliciousness. Goulash – a straightforward, no-fuss dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Goulash

Try Goulash for an easy weeknight meal. Brown beef, add spices, tomatoes, and beans for a tasty base. Mix with cooked macaroni and creamy cheese sauce. Bake until golden. It's a simple, budget-friendly comfort dish with customizable flavors. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Fusion

Servings 4 people

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking Dish

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
• Spice it Up: Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and mix well.
• Create Goulash Base: Pour in the diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Add 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
• Combine Goulash and Cheese Sauce: Pour the goulash mixture into the cheese sauce pot. Mix thoroughly, creating a rich and flavorful combination.
• Assemble Mac and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the goulash-cheese mixture. Stir until well coated.
• Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Rest and Serve: Allow the goulash mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

1. Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili powder and paprika.
2. Experiment with different cheese blends for added flavor.
3. This dish reheats well, making it suitable for leftovers.

Keyword Comfort Food, Goulash, Weeknight Dinner