Creamy Beef Goulash with Elbow Macaroni and Cheddar 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.
- 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