Cheesy Beef Goulash

Need an easy weeknight fix? Cook up a comforting mix of noodles, cheese, and ground beef. This heartwarming 30-minute meal serves 8, can be made ahead, and makes delicious leftovers (or a freezer meal for a friend under the weather). This cozy and delicious dinner makes everyone happy.

Cheesy Beef Goulash

Don’t you want to just dive in? I tell ya, there is nothing more comforting that a big pan of saucy noodles after a long day.

Talk about an instant family favorite! Everyone devoured their bowls of this hearty, warm-ya-to-the-bone beef goulash, and asked for seconds. Who can blame them, when this bowlful of beef and cheese deliciousness is so tempting – and easy!

If you’re looking for the perfect weeknight meal, you’ve found it. This savory, scrumptious one-pan dinner always hits the spot. Whether you’re cooking for two or eight, there is nothing better – and this makes awesome reheated leftovers for quick lunches. Beef goulash is simple to make ahead, store and freeze, or even toss into your slow cooker (instead of the pan). You can find all of the ingredients easily, everything cooks in one pan, and it’s all ready in about 30 minutes. Every bite is a spoonful of heaven, especially served with Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread.

Let’s get you the recipe and get cooking!


Ready to cook your own Cheesy Beef Goulash?

• Set a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes. Drain excess liquid.

• Add garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Add water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, soy sauce, and seasoned salt. Stir well. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

• Remove bay leaves. Add cheddar cheese right before serving.

• Serve and enjoy!

Keep reading for full ingredient list + recipe, below

Want more easy, cozy weeknight meals? Try these!

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

Sesame Beef Ramen Stir Fry

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Gnocchi

One-Pan Roasted Sausage, Peppers and Potatoes

What to serve with beef goulash:

Cheesy Pull-Apart Garlic Bread

Chopped Cucumber Caprese Salad

Fluffy Garlic Butter Breadsticks

Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

Can I cook this in my slow cooker?

Yes! This meal is easy adaptable for cooking in your slow cooker. Simply follow these instructions: In a large skillet, cook ground beef completely. Drain excess fat and add garlic. Cook for another minute. Add meat to your slow cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook on High for 3-4 hours, or Low for 7-8 hours.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely! To make ahead, prepare the recipe completely and let cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to eat, cover dish with foil. Cook in a preheated oven (350 degrees F), until warmed up, about 20-30 minutes.

Can I freeze this meal?

This goulash makes the best freezer meal for storing and pulling out of your freezer on a busy weekday. Or, you can gift it to someone in need of a delicious homecooked meal to reheat. Place goulash in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months.


I hope you enjoy this easy, quick and comforting dinner. Please feel free to leave a comment and a star rating. I would love to know if you serve this Cheesy Beef Goulash recipe for your family and friends!

Cheesy Beef Goulash

Cheesy Beef Goulash

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Need an easy weeknight fix? Cook up a comforting mix of noodles, cheese, and ground beef. This heartwarming 30-minute meal serves 8, can be made ahead, and makes delicious leftovers (or a freezer meal for a friend under the weather). This cozy and delicious dinner makes everyone happy.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. ground beef
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (15 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 3 Tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Set a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5 minutes. Drain excess liquid.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Add water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, soy sauce, and seasoned salt. Stir well. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Remove bay leaves. Add cheddar cheese right before serving.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

How to prepare in your slow cooker:

In a large skillet, cook ground beef completely. Drain excess fat and add garlic. Cook for another minute. Add meat to your slow cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cook on High for 3-4 hours, or Low for 7-8 hours.

How to make ahead of time:

Prepare the recipe completely and let cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to eat, cover dish with foil. Cook in a preheated oven (350 degrees F), until warmed up, about 20-30 minutes.

How to store:

Place goulash in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

Did you make this recipe?

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