A Weeknight Macaroni and Cheese Goulash

Transform your busy weeknight dinners with this comforting and hearty Weeknight Macaroni and Cheese Goulash—a delicious fusion of creamy mac and cheese and a robust, savory beef and tomato goulash. Featuring tender elbow macaroni folded into a rich, homemade cheddar cheese sauce and combined with perfectly seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, and aromatic spices like paprika and Italian seasoning, this dish delivers bold flavor in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for family dinners or satisfying leftovers. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness! Ideal keywords: "macaroni and cheese goulash," "easy weeknight dinner," "comfort food recipe," and "quick dinner idea."

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, with juices
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Simmer the mixture over low heat while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 6

Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 7

Pour the cheese sauce into the skillet with the beef and tomato mixture. Stir to combine, then gently fold in the cooked macaroni until everything is well coated.

Step 8

Cook the goulash over low heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2326.6 grams (2326.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4087

Total Fat 212.40g	272%
Saturated Fat 103.30g	517%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.70g
Cholesterol 649mg	216%
Sodium 4636mg	202%
Total Carbohydrate 345.20g	126%
Dietary Fiber 22.70g	81%
Total Sugars 58.40g
Protein 207.60g	415%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 2415mg	186%
Iron 25mg	136%
Potassium 2980mg	63%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.4%

Protein: 20.1%

Carbs: 33.5%