Discover a rich, comforting Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe that brings together tender beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a luscious cheese sauce for the ultimate family-friendly meal. This dish balances savory flavors, creamy textures, and a hint of smoky paprika to create a hearty dinner that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm and creamy with rich flavors that satisfy deep cravings.
Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples that are easy to find and budget-friendly.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Family Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Versatile & Adaptable: Easy to customize with different vegetables and seasoning preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe may seem simple, but each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.

Lean Ground Beef: Provides a hearty base and rich protein for the dish.
Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a satisfying sharpness and creamy melt to the sauce.
Onion and Garlic: Essential aromatics that deepen the savory flavor profile.
Smoked Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth that defines the goulash’s character.
Beef Broth: Enhances the richness and moistens the mixture perfectly.
Tomato Paste: Brings a tangy sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, ensuring a creamy consistency.
Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
Milk or Cream: Creates indulgent creaminess that ties it all together.
Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances all other flavors.

Variations for Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe

Feel free to make this dish your own by experimenting with ingredients or tailoring it to dietary needs—this recipe is both flexible and forgiving while still delivering incredible taste.

Vegetarian Twist: Replace beef with mushrooms or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free option packed with umami.
Spicier Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to dial up the heat.
Extra Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added color, nutrients, and texture.
Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it creamy without dairy.
Different Cheese Blend: Combine cheddar with mozzarella or gouda for a melty, gooier sauce.

Creamy Beef Goulash with Macaroni and Cheddar

How to Make Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating butter in a large skillet, then add finely chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.

Step 2: Add Spices and Tomato Paste

Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture, stirring well. Then, stir in tomato paste to deepen the flavor and add a subtle tangy sweetness to the base.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour over the beef and onion mixture and stir to cook the flour slightly; this will help thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in beef broth and milk until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken gently on a low simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Elbow Macaroni

While the sauce simmers, boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Slowly mix in the cooked macaroni until everything is evenly coated and piping hot.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve the creamy beef goulash piping hot, ready to delight your family and guests.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe

Use Sharp Cheddar: For the most flavorful sauce, always opt for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
Cook Pasta Just Right: Aim for al dente macaroni since it will continue to absorb sauce as it sits.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low when thickening the sauce to avoid burning or curdling the dairy.
Don’t Skip Browning: Fully brown the beef to develop deep, rich flavors that elevate the dish.
Let It Rest: Give the goulash a few minutes off heat to thicken even more before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that complements the creamy, savory goulash beautifully. A dollop of sour cream adds extra richness and a tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy sauce for a complete hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, bake the combined goulash in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs until golden and bubbly—a perfect potluck or family dinner presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover creamy beef goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well, maintaining its creamy texture and flavors.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully—place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess and prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of milk if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and works best to hold the sauce, penne or shells are great alternatives that also capture the creamy sauce nicely.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for thickening, and use gluten-free pasta to keep the dish safe and delicious.

Can I prepare this recipe without dairy?

Yes, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative to still enjoy a creamy texture and tasty result.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. This creamy beef goulash freezes well and can be stored for up to two months, making it convenient for meal prep.

How long does it take to make from start to finish?

From prep to plate, this recipe typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes, making it a practical choice for weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

Give this Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe a try for an easy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s a timeless dish packed with flavor, creamy goodness, and simplicity—perfect for making memories one delicious bite at a time.

Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar Recipe

Print Recipe

A rich and comforting Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a luscious sharp cheddar cheese sauce. This hearty, family-friendly meal features smoky paprika and a creamy texture, ready in under an hour, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or cozy weekend dish.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Hungarian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour and pasta alternative)

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 lb lean ground beef
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp butter
1 ½ cups milk or cream

Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste

Seasonings and Miscellaneous

1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until fully browned and no longer pink.
Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine. Then stir in tomato paste to deepen the flavor and add a subtle tangy sweetness.
Prepare the Sauce Base: Sprinkle flour over the beef and onions, stirring to cook the flour slightly. Gradually whisk in beef broth and milk to form a smooth sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until the sauce thickens.
Cook the Elbow Macaroni: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Slowly fold in the cooked macaroni, stirring until evenly coated and piping hot.
Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy beef goulash immediately, garnished as desired with fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese for the most flavorful sauce.
Cook pasta al dente as it will continue absorbing sauce.
Simmer sauce gently to prevent burning or curdling.
Fully brown beef to develop rich flavors.
Let the goulash rest off heat for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: beef goulash, creamy beef goulash, elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, comfort food, quick weeknight dinner, family meal