Description
This hearty hamburger goulash features a creamy, smoky cheddar swirl that elevates a classic comfort meal. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients and is ready in about 40 minutes, making it a perfect family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 450 g lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 170 g tomato paste
- 794 g crushed tomatoes
- 710 ml vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 340 g elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 470 ml whole milk
- 200 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 85 g shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Extra smoked paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Beef and Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (6-8 minutes); drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes), then stir in garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce Base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, add the bay leaf, then bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare Pasta and Cheese Swirl: While the sauce simmers, cook macaroni separately according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside. In a different saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer until thickened (3-5 minutes), then remove from heat.
- Finish Cheese Swirl: Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the saucepan. Stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine and Serve: Remove bay leaf from the goulash pot. Stir in the drained macaroni until well combined. Adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot goulash topped with the warm smoky cheddar swirl and fresh parsley.
Notes
To fix a lumpy cheese sauce, remove it from the heat, add a splash of cold milk, and whisk vigorously until smooth. For a richer flavor, use beef or chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. Shred fresh cheese for the best, smoothest melt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg