If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comforting dinner that’s hearty, kid-approved, and downright irresistible, let me introduce you to Cheesy Beef Goulash. This recipe combines tender ground beef, a perfectly seasoned tomato base, tender macaroni, and a velvety layer of melted cheddar. It’s a one-pot wonder cherished for its flavor, ease, and heartiness — the sort of meal that instantly makes any night a little cozier. Perfect for feeding a crowd or guaranteeing delicious leftovers, Cheesy Beef Goulash is a weeknight classic that never disappoints!

Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Cheesy Beef Goulash is how it transforms basic pantry ingredients into a dish that tastes like home. Each element brings something essential, whether it’s depth of flavor, cheesy richness, or that crave-worthy comfort food appeal.

Lean ground beef: The star of the show, bringing rich flavor and hearty texture with less excess fat.
Minced garlic: Just a few teaspoons add an unmistakable savory foundation and aroma.
Beef broth or water: Helps the flavors meld and ensures the macaroni becomes tender and flavorful as it cooks.
Canned tomato sauce: The backbone for the luscious, tangy-sweet sauce that bathes every bite.
Canned diced tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and juicy texture for a sauce that’s never one-note.
Bay leaves: Infuses the dish with subtle herbal notes that deepen as the goulash simmers.
Soy sauce: Quietly amplifies savory flavor and rounds out the tomato goodness.
Seasoned salt: A quick way to punch up the flavor (and you can adjust to taste if you like things low-sodium).
Italian seasoning: This blend brings together dried herbs for a familiar, comforting aroma reminiscent of classic home cooking.
Uncooked elbow macaroni: Directly cooks in the sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor for a one-pot, mess-free experience.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The crowning glory; stirs in at the end for unbeatable creamy, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by getting a large pot nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want the beef browned and crumbly — this step really builds the rich foundation of your Cheesy Beef Goulash. If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain it off so your final dish isn’t greasy.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once your beef is cooked through, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant and you get that irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen. This simple step brings a subtle depth and warmth to every bite.

Step 3: Simmer with Sauce and Seasonings

Next, stir in the beef broth (or water), tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, seasoned salt, bay leaves, and Italian seasoning. Everything goes into the pot! Give it a good stir, bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook for 15-20 minutes. This is when all those flavors begin to meld into that craveable Cheesy Beef Goulash magic.

Step 4: Cook the Macaroni

Now, add the uncooked elbow macaroni right into the pot. Stir well, cover again, and let everything simmer until the pasta is perfectly tender — about 15 more minutes. What’s brilliant here is how the noodles soak up all that savory, tomato-rich sauce as they cook.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is just right, go ahead and fish out those bay leaves (no one wants a mouthful of leaf!). Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. It melts right in, transforming the goulash into a glorious pot of creamy, cheesy deliciousness. Serve hot, and savor that just-right combination of tangy, savory, and cheesy comfort.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Goulash

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or torn basil can brighten up Cheesy Beef Goulash and add a fresh pop of color. For an extra hit of richness, a dollop of sour cream is always welcome. If you love a little heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a light dusting of smoked paprika.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Beef Goulash is so hearty it can be a meal all on its own, but I adore serving it with a warm slice of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. Steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad with Italian dressing make perfect veggie companions and help balance the richness of the goulash.

Creative Ways to Present

To turn your Cheesy Beef Goulash into a dinner party centerpiece, try serving it in individual ramekins topped with extra cheddar and broiled for a bubbly finish. For a weeknight twist, spoon leftovers into baked bell pepper halves or serve it over creamy mashed potatoes. However you dish it out, this is a meal that always brings people to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Beef Goulash stores beautifully. Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors just keep getting better, and the reheated goulash is just as satisfying as day one.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the goulash to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat Cheesy Beef Goulash gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or beef broth to loosen if needed. For quick single servings, a microwave works great — just heat in intervals, stirring well, until piping hot and creamy once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Cheesy Beef Goulash, you can use small shells, rotini, or any other bite-sized pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different shapes may take a little more or less time to get perfectly tender.

How can I make this gluten-free?

To make Cheesy Beef Goulash gluten-free, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the regular elbow macaroni. Also, double-check that your soy sauce and seasoned salt are certified gluten-free to keep everything safe and delicious.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives a classic, bold flavor, but you can experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend for extra creaminess. For a spicier version, try stirring in a little pepper jack cheese.

Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely, and I highly encourage it! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, baby spinach, corn, or peas all work wonderfully in Cheesy Beef Goulash. Sauté vegetables with the beef or stir them in with the tomatoes for a heartier, more colorful dish.

What’s the best way to reduce the sodium?

Opt for low-sodium beef broth and soy sauce, cut back slightly on seasoned salt, and use no-salt-added tomato products. You can always season to taste at the end to get the flavor just right for your preferences.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cheesy Beef Goulash enough for anyone who loves no-fuss, big-flavor meals that bring people together. It’s cozy, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, give this recipe a try — it just might become your new comfort food favorite!