If cozy weeknight dinners had a contest, this Goulash Casserole Recipe would absolutely take the gold. Bold and comforting, it’s the kind of meal you dream about all day long: rich ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and irresistible layers of melted cheddar cheese. With its combination of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, this is a casserole that brings families together around the table and makes both busy cooks and picky eaters happy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for reliable leftovers, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Goulash Casserole Recipe is that it comes together with everyday ingredients you probably already have. Each one plays a unique role, adding flavor, heartiness, or that extra pop of color and comfort.
- Olive oil: Use just a tablespoon to start, giving your beef a lovely sear and adding a smooth backdrop for sautéing aromatics.
- Ground beef: The classic base for a great casserole; go for 80/20 for the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Yellow onion: Diced small, it melts into the casserole and adds sweet, savory depth.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for a gentle kick and rich aroma; don’t skip it if you want real homemade flavor.
- Tomato sauce: Provides a silky, tangy body that ties the whole dish together.
- Diced tomatoes: Undrained, they offer both brightness and texture for that rustic casserole feel.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient for rich, umami depth—just a tablespoon makes a difference.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that infuses every bite with classic, comforting notes.
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a gentle smoky color; opt for smoked paprika if you want a bolder twist.
- Salt and black pepper: Just enough to make every flavor shine without overwhelming the dish.
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect shape to cradle all that saucy goodness, cooked al dente for the best texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty and sharp, this finishes the casserole with gooey, golden goodness.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A simple, fresh garnish that brightens up each serving.
How to Make Goulash Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it’s nicely browned. Take a moment to drain off any excess grease, which gives your Goulash Casserole Recipe a perfectly balanced texture, never greasy!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion and minced garlic directly to the skillet with the beef. Let them cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and fragrant. This step lays the foundation for every savory flavor to follow.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (liquid and all), Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce should thicken up and turn beautifully aromatic—the kind of smell that brings everyone into the kitchen!
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
While your sauce is developing, be sure you’ve cooked your elbow macaroni just until al dente (it’ll finish up in the oven). Stir the drained macaroni right into the skillet, making sure every piece is well coated in that savory, herby sauce of the Goulash Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Those golden edges? Pure magic.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you like, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving for a pop of green and a fresh, herbal lift. Slice, scoop, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy forkful!
How to Serve Goulash Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A dish this hearty is even more inviting with the right finishing touches. Chopped parsley is a classic, adding a flash of color and clean flavor. If you love a little heat, try sprinkling a bit of red pepper flakes or even a touch of sliced scallion for crunch and zip with your Goulash Casserole Recipe.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal on its own, but you can create a true feast with simple sides. Think a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, warm garlic bread to soak up extra sauce, or even roasted green beans for added color and crunch. Each option rounds out the richness of the casserole in a satisfying way.
Creative Ways to Present
Put a fresh spin on your Goulash Casserole Recipe for special occasions! Try baking it in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or serve it family-style in a rustic cast iron skillet. You can even sprinkle an extra layer of cheese under the broiler for a melty, golden crown that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Goulash Casserole Recipe are honestly a blessing in disguise—just transfer any extra portions into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making them even more satisfying the next day!
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly for up to three months. For best results, let it cool completely, then wrap the dish well with foil or place servings in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that cheesy, saucy goodness, reheat your Goulash Casserole Recipe in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, covered loosely with foil. Individual portions also come back beautifully in the microwave—just add a splash of water and heat until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I make this Goulash Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes work wonderfully in this recipe. Both will yield slightly lighter textures and flavors but still pair perfectly with the robust sauce and cheese.
How do I add more veggies?
Get creative—stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach with the onions and garlic. This not only boosts nutrition but brings more color and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Can I make Goulash Casserole Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based cheddar alternative for the cheese, and skip the garnish or use dairy-free sour cream if you’d like some extra creaminess.
How do I keep my macaroni from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta just until al dente before combining it with the sauce and baking. The oven will soften it a little more, so starting with firmer noodles ensures the perfect bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new dinner go-to or just want to share a nostalgic classic with your family, this Goulash Casserole Recipe is ready to become your favorite comfort food hero. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with the gooey cheese, cozy tomato sauce, and irresistible, homey flavors. Dig in and enjoy every bite!
Print
Goulash Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Goulash Casserole Recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner. It combines ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal that is easy to make.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauce:
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil, add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned.
- Prepare Sauce: Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Combine: Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir. Transfer to a baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
