If you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal, look no further than this mouthwatering goulash recipe. Packed with savory flavors and comforting textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to culinary bliss.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2/3 cup of chopped onion
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
- 1 cup of dry elbow macaroni pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce (or 2 cans of 8 ounces each)
- 1 jar of homemade canned diced tomatoes, or 1 can of low-sodium diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, set a pot of water on the stove to boil for the pasta. Also, spray a 2-quart casserole dish with oil to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Season with ground black pepper to taste. Add minced garlic in the last minute of cooking. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
- Cook the Pasta: While the beef is cooking, add the dry elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook until just before al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: To the skillet with the cooked beef and onions, add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Pasta: Once the sauce is well mixed, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Then, add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the goulash mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Top it with the shredded Mozzarella cheese. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the goulash to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Pair it with some buttered bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Then, sit back, relax, and savor every delicious bite.
Tips for Success:
- Experiment with different types of ground meat, such as turkey or pork, for a unique flavor profile.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- For an extra kick of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta before baking, as it will continue to soften in the oven.
- Make a double batch and freeze the leftovers for a quick and convenient meal option on busy days.
With these helpful tips and foolproof recipe instructions, you’re well-equipped to create the best goulash ever. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!