Cheesy American goulash is the kind of one-pot comfort meal that disappears fast. Ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce simmer together, then get finished with a generous handful of melted cheese.
It uses ingredients you probably already have, and it comes together in about 40 minutes with only one pot to wash. It is an easy way to feed a hungry family on a busy weeknight, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.
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Why This Cheesy American Goulash Recipe Works
The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so it absorbs the flavor of the tomatoes, beef, and Italian seasoning instead of being boiled separately in plain water. Some of the starch from the macaroni also thickens the sauce as it simmers, giving it a velvety texture.
Browning the beef with the onion builds a deep savory base. Draining the excess fat afterward keeps the sauce from feeling greasy, while still leaving plenty of flavor in the pot.
The cheese goes in at the end, off the high heat. Stirring it in just before serving lets it melt smoothly into the sauce without clumping or turning oily.
Ingredients for Cheesy American Goulash
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cheesy American Goulash
1. Brown the beef.
In a large pot, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned. Ground beef should reach 160 degrees F.
2. Add the garlic and drain.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
3. Add the tomatoes and seasoning.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
4. Add the macaroni.
Add the elbow macaroni, stir well, and bring the pot to a boil.
5. Simmer until the pasta is tender.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through. If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is tender, add a splash of broth or water.
6. Melt in the cheese.
Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
How to Serve Cheesy American Goulash
Serve the goulash in wide bowls with a simple green salad or a piece of crusty bread. A little extra cheese or some chopped fresh herbs on top adds color and flavor.
If you enjoy goulash, you may also like the paprika beef goulash for a more traditional flavor. The one pot american goulash, the old fashioned goulash, and the classic goulash recipe are all hearty options as well.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy American Goulash
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking, using shallow containers so the food cools quickly. The goulash keeps for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. The pasta continues to absorb sauce as it sits, so the leftovers will be thicker.
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Make sure it is steaming hot throughout, at 165 degrees F. You can also freeze it in a sealed container and thaw it in the refrigerator.
Tips and Variations for Cheesy American Goulash
Stir the pot occasionally while the pasta cooks so the macaroni does not stick to the bottom. Keep the lid on between stirs, because trapped steam helps the pasta cook evenly. Check the pasta for tenderness a minute or two before you expect it to be done.
Ground turkey or sausage can replace the beef. Use extra cheese for a richer dish, or add a handful of chopped bell pepper with the onion. Because the tomato sauce and cheese both contain salt, taste the goulash before adding any extra.
For safe storage and reheating guidance, the Purdue Extension guide to storing leftovers explains the two hour rule, how long leftovers last, and reheating to 165 degrees F.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy American Goulash
Can I use a different pasta in cheesy American goulash?
Yes. Small shapes such as shells or small rotini work well. Cooking times can vary, so check the pasta for tenderness and add a splash of liquid if needed.
Can I freeze cheesy American goulash?
Yes. Freeze it in a sealed container and thaw it in the refrigerator. The pasta may be softer after reheating.
Is American goulash the same as Hungarian goulash?
No. American goulash is a pasta dish with ground beef and tomato sauce, while Hungarian goulash is a paprika-flavored stew.
How do I make cheesy American goulash thicker?
Simmer it uncovered for a few minutes at the end, or let it rest for a few minutes off the heat. The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce as it sits.
What cheese is best for cheesy American goulash?
Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, while mozzarella gives a milder, stretchier result. A mix of the two works well.
Cheesy American Goulash
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cup elbow macaroni dry
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking
- Brown the beef and onion in a large pot until the beef reaches 160 degrees F.
- Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds, then drain excess fat.
- Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the macaroni and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the cheese until melted, season, and serve hot.
