Old Fashioned Goulash Dish (Printer-Friendly Version)

Comforting goulash with beef, macaroni, tomato sauce, and cheddar cheese in a rich, hearty sauce.

# Ingredients Needed:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni

→ Meat

02 - 2 pounds ground beef

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 - 1 onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauces and Liquids

05 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
06 - 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
07 - 2 cans (14.5 oz each) petite diced tomatoes

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
09 - 2 teaspoons salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Dairy

11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 3 minutes less than package directions. Drain thoroughly.
03 - Heat a large skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onions. Break apart the beef and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
04 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
05 - Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and taste to adjust seasonings if desired.
06 - Add cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
07 - If the skillet is oven-safe, place it directly in the oven. Otherwise, transfer contents to a casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is fully melted. Serve immediately.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Salt the pasta water to enhance flavor. Browning the beef thoroughly develops deeper taste. Adjust seasoning gradually to suit personal preference.