Cheesy Baked Goulash: A Hearty Comfort Dish
There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty plate of Cheesy Baked Goulash, especially on a chilly evening. This dish is a perfect blend of rich flavors and textures, combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a cheesy tomato sauce that’s baked to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that promises not just to satisfy your hunger but also to bring a smile to your face with its gooey, cheesy goodness.
Crafting the Perfect Goulash
Preparing this dish is a delightful journey through layers of flavor and simplicity. It’s designed for those who love a good, filling meal without too much fuss in the kitchen. The combination of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with the rich tomato sauce creates a comforting dish that’s both familiar and wonderfully satisfying. Let’s get started on making this delightful baked goulash.
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Serving: 4-6 people
- Equipment: Large skillet, pot, 2-quart casserole dish
Recipe Title: Cheesy Baked Goulash
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2/3 cup chopped onion
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 cup dry elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce (or 2 8-ounce cans)
- 1 jar homemade canned tomatoes diced, or 1 can low-sodium diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Simultaneously, set a pot of water to boil for the pasta.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions, seasoning generously with black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking. Drain any excess grease.
- Boil the Pasta: While the beef cooks, add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook until just before al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: To the skillet with the beef, add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, oregano, and basil. If you forgot the parsley earlier, add it now. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- Add Cheese: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Then, stir in the cooked macaroni.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the goulash rest for about 5 minutes after baking. Serve warm with buttered bread and a side salad, if desired.
Enjoy Your Meal
This Cheesy Baked Goulash is not just a dish; it’s a comforting hug in the form of food. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you need a little extra warmth and cheer in your meal. Dive into this baked delight and let each bite take you to a place of comfort and contentment.
