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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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A hearty and creamy Beef Goulash featuring tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight comfort meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Pasta

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Dairy

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp butter

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

Dry Ingredients & Spices

  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Create the Roux: Lower heat to medium, stir in butter until melted. Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Liquids and Spices: Slowly pour in beef broth and tomato sauce while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Cook the Macaroni: Add uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce, stirring to combine. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and absorbed much of the sauce (about 12 minutes).
  6. Stir in Cheese: Remove skillet from heat and immediately stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.

Notes

  • Choose quality sharp cheddar for better flavor and melt.
  • Keep pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture.
  • Ensure beef is well browned for deeper flavor.
  • Deglaze pan with broth or tomato sauce to lift browned bits.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef goulash, elbow macaroni, cheesy beef pasta, comfort food, one-pot meal

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