Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Goulash

This hearty beef and pasta dish is a quick solution for busy weeknights. It combines savory ground beef with a cheesy tomato sauce in under 30 minutes.

List of ingredients

• 1 ½ cups dry elbow macaroni pasta – provides a classic base and texture.
• 1 pound ground beef – use lean or extra-lean for a healthier version.
• 1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes, undrained – adds acidity and bulk.
• 2 10.75 oz can tomato soup – creates a creamy, rich sauce base.
• 1 15.25 oz can corn, drained – adds a touch of sweetness and color.
• 1 packet sloppy joes seasoning mix – provides a concentrated blend of savory flavors.
• 2 Tablespoons ketchup – enhances the sweetness and tomato depth.
• 1 teaspoon parsley – adds a fresh, herbal finish.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – gives a melty, salty richness.

step-by-step instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with hot water to prevent sticking before setting aside.
2. Brown the Meat: In a large pot, cook ground beef for about 3-5 minutes or until fully brown. Drain any excess grease to keep the sauce light.
3. Prepare Tomatoes: In a small bowl, mash the undrained diced tomatoes. Add these mashed tomatoes directly to the cooked ground beef.
4. Combine Sauce: Mix in the tomato soup, drained corn, sloppy joes seasoning, ketchup, and parsley. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
5. Finish and Simmer: Add the cooked elbow macaroni noodles to the pot. Mix in the shredded cheese and simmer for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve with cornbread or garlic bread.

Pro Cooking Tips for Better Results

Cook Pasta to Al Dente

Avoid overcooking your macaroni during the initial boil. Because the pasta simmers in the sauce at the end, cooking it slightly underdone ensures it maintains a firm bite.

Select Extra Lean Beef

Using a 90% lean ground beef reduces the amount of fat rendered in the pot. This results in a cleaner flavor and less time spent draining grease.

Thoroughly Drain Pan Grease

Always drain the rendered fat after browning the meat. This prevents the final goulash from having an oily layer on top of the tomato sauce.

Mash Tomatoes for Consistency

Mashing the diced tomatoes before adding them to the pot creates a more cohesive sauce. This prevents large chunks of tomato from separating from the pasta.

Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot

A Dutch oven or a thick stainless steel pot distributes heat evenly. This prevents the tomato-based sauce from scorching at the bottom during the simmering stage.

Ingredient Substitutions

Alternative Short Pasta Shapes

While elbow macaroni is traditional, rotini or penne work well. These shapes hold onto the thick tomato sauce effectively for a similar experience.

Lean Poultry Alternatives

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter protein option. If using turkey, add a teaspoon of olive oil to the pot to prevent the meat from sticking.

Using Frozen Corn

If you do not have canned corn, use frozen kernels. Thaw approximately 1 ½ cups of corn before adding them to the mixture.

Homemade Sloppy Joe Seasoning

If you lack a pre-made packet, mix brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Use about 2 tablespoons of this mixture to replace the packet.

Variations in Cheese Choice

Sharp cheddar provides a bold taste, but Monterey Jack offers a creamier melt. You can also use a Colby-Jack blend for a mild, balanced flavor.

Substituting Tomato Soup

If tomato soup is unavailable, use tomato puree mixed with a pinch of sugar and salt. This maintains the thick consistency of the sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Classic Cornbread Pairings

Sweet cornbread muffins or a sliced corn cake complement the savory beef. The sweetness of the corn balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.

Garlic Bread Accompaniments

Toasted garlic bread is ideal for scooping up the extra sauce. Use a buttery baguette with minced garlic and parsley for a professional touch.

Fresh Vegetable Sides

Serve this meal with steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans. A fresh side adds a nutritional balance to the hearty pasta and beef.

Adding Fresh Garnishes

Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. This adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh contrast to the cooked ingredients.

Side Salad Options

A crisp cucumber and tomato salad with a vinaigrette works well. The acidity of the salad cleanses the palate between bites of cheesy goulash.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Refrigeration Guidelines

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish remains fresh and safe to eat for up to four days.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze goulash for up to three months. Note that the pasta may become slightly softer than original after the freezing and thawing process.

Stovetop Reheating Method

Reheat the goulash in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the cheese and sauce heat evenly throughout.

Microwave Reheating Tips

Place portions in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to avoid cold spots.

Adjusting Sauce Thickness

Pasta absorbs liquid as it sits in the fridge. Add a splash of water or beef broth when reheating to restore the original saucy consistency.

Customizing Your Goulash

Adding Diced Bell Peppers

Sauté diced green or red bell peppers with the ground beef. This adds a layer of sweetness and a slight crunch to the texture.

Incorporating Diced Onions

Adding a finely diced yellow onion to the browning meat enhances the aromatic base. Cook the onions until translucent before adding the beef.

Increasing the Heat Level

For a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also use Pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Reducing Sodium Content

Use low-sodium tomato soup and no-salt-added diced tomatoes. You can control the salt level by adding a small amount of sea salt at the end.

Making it Extra Cheesy

Increase the cheddar cheese to a full cup or add a tablespoon of cream cheese. This creates a richer, more velvety sauce texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Preventing Mushy Pasta

If the pasta becomes too soft, you likely overcooked it during the boiling phase. Always aim for al dente to leave room for the final simmering step.

Fixing a Bland Sauce

If the flavor is too mild, add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce. This increases the umami depth of the beef.

Dealing with Sauce Separation

If the sauce looks oily or separated, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste. Simmer on low heat for an extra minute to emulsify the ingredients.

Balancing High Acidity

If the canned tomatoes make the dish too tart, add a teaspoon of brown sugar. This neutralizes the acid and rounds out the savory flavor.

Preventing Beef from Clumping

Use a wooden spoon or meat masher to break up the beef into small crumbles. This ensures the meat is evenly distributed throughout the macaroni.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American Goulash?

American goulash is a comfort food dish consisting of ground meat, macaroni, and a seasoned tomato sauce. It differs from Hungarian goulash, which is a slow-cooked beef stew flavored with paprika.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, brown the beef first, then combine all ingredients except the pasta in the crockpot. Add the pre-cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Allow the dish to cool slightly before placing it in a sealed container. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40°F for up to four days.

What are the best beef cuts for this recipe?

Lean ground beef (85% to 93% lean) is the best choice. It provides the necessary flavor without adding excessive grease to the tomato soup base.

Can I use a different seasoning?

If you do not have sloppy joe mix, use a combination of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will mimic the classic savory profile of the dish.

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