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Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe

Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe
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This Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar is a warm, hearty, and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender ground beef, cheesy elbow macaroni, and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers savory, melty goodness in under an hour and can be easily customized to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme

Optional Variations

  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced (for veggie boost)
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (for veggie boost)
  • 1/2 cup peas (for veggie boost)
  • Smoked paprika or red pepper flakes (to spice it up)
  • Coconut cream and vegan cheese (for dairy-free option)
  • Ground turkey or chicken (for protein swap)
  • Mozzarella or gouda cheese (alternative to cheddar)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove excess fat if needed, then set the beef aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and sweet, about 3-4 minutes, releasing their wonderful aroma.
  3. Build the Sauce: Add tomato paste and diced tomatoes to the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Then, pour in beef broth and sprinkle in paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook the Macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce. Cover and let it cook until the pasta is tender, usually around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Incorporate Beef and Cream: Return the browned beef to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Stir in sour cream or heavy cream to create that signature creamy texture. Let it all heat through but avoid boiling once cream is added to prevent curdling.
  6. Add the Cheddar: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until melted and fully incorporated, making the dish rich and gooey. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

  • Brown Your Beef Well: Browning adds deeper flavor, so take your time before moving to the next step.
  • Use Sharp Cheddar: Aged cheddar adds more punch and richness than mild varieties.
  • Simmer Gently: Keep the sauce at a low simmer after adding cream to avoid breaking the sauce texture.
  • Stir Occasionally: Prevent pasta from sticking by stirring a few times while it cooks in the sauce.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let it sit for a few minutes off the heat to thicken and let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef goulash, creamy goulash, elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, one-pot meal, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/creamy-beef-goulash-with-elbow-macaroni-and-cheddar-recipe/