Easy Weeknight American-Style Goulash

I got to make this Easy Weeknight American-Style Goulash thanks to Atlantic Superstore’s #TasteTheNewNext 2018 Canadian Food Trend, #RediscoveringTraditions. I thought it would be fun to jazz up my Mum’s simple version of goulash, with elbow macaroni noodles and ground beef, but I slow-baked my meat sauce to add richness and flavour, and mixed in goat cheese with the mozzarella on top. Also, because I was feeling fancy I added a drizzle of PC Black Label White Truffle Oil at the table.

This post was sponsored by Loblaw, however all views and opinions are my own. I will never endorse anything I don’t use or love! Thank you for supporting brands that help make kellyneil.com possible.

This post was first published on October 4, 2018 and was last updated August 4, 2019.

Easy Weeknight Goulash vs. Tuna Casserole

There are two casseroles I remember my Mum making regularly, and both were super simple. One of them I loved, and one I loathed. The one I loved was a basic dish of cooked elbow macaroni, ground beef, and tomato sauce topped with mozzarella cheese, and baked in the oven. We always called it goulash, even though as an adult I now know it’s not legit real deal Goulash The one I loathed was a combination of boxed mac and cheese and canned mushroom soup, mixed with a can of tuna (the thought of it still makes me cringe).

Looking For More Family Meal Ideas? Try:

Whole Grain Spaghetti With Greens, Toasted Pistachios, And Lemon

Roasted Chickpea Tacos With Lime Yogurt Dressing

Easy Sesame Noodles

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Easy Weeknight American-Style Goulash Recipe

A modern twist on my Mum's classic goulash recipe with elbow macaroni noodles, but with a rich, slow-baked tomato meat sauce, and goat cheese mixed with the mozzarella on top.

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time2 hrs 30 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Canadian

Keyword: easy weeknight recipe, family meal ideas, goulash, goulash recipe

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 500 grams uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese grated
• 1/2 cup soft goat cheese
• white truffle oil for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325ºF.
• In a large bowl mix crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, ground beef, chopped onion, chopped garlic, dried oregano, fennel seeds, dried basil, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and red wine until meat is broken up into small pieces and everything is well combined.
• Pour meat sauce mixture into a 9x13 oven-safe casserole dish. Cover dish tightly with foil. Bake, covered, for 2 hours.
• Remove from oven and remove foil. Turn oven temperature up to 350ºF.
• Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and gently mix into cooked sauce in casserole dish. Top evenly with mozzarella and goat cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly on top. Remove from oven. Serve hot, drizzled with white truffle oil, torn fresh herbs, and toasted garlic bread.

Did you make this recipe? I would love to see how you made out! Let me know on Instagram by tagging me @baconandbaileys and hashtag it #baconandbaileys so I can take a peek and re-share it in my Instagram stories! You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.