Family Favorite Baked Goulash

Warm, hearty, and packed with nostalgic comfort, this Family Favorite Baked Goulash is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Combining tender elbow macaroni, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce infused with Italian seasoning and paprika, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and coziness. Topped with a luscious blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection in just 20-25 minutes. Ready in under an hour and serving up to eight, this easy casserole is a one-dish wonder that satisfies the whole family. Garnish with fresh parsley for a delightful pop of color and extra flavor. Ideal for comfort food lovers and those looking for a simple, delicious baked pasta dish, this goulash will quickly become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.

Step 2

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

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and mix until well combined.

Step 7

Transfer the goulash mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove the goulash from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2704.8 grams (2704.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4486

Total Fat 207.10g	266%
Saturated Fat 99.20g	496%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 624mg	208%
Sodium 6554mg	285%
Total Carbohydrate 432.80g	157%
Dietary Fiber 36.90g	132%
Total Sugars 60.80g
Protein 239.50g	479%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2883mg	222%
Iron 24mg	136%
Potassium 4854mg	103%

*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: 40.9%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 38.0%