Description
School Cafeteria Goulash is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender elbow macaroni simmered with seasoned ground beef, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and a blend of warm spices. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make skillet meal is perfect for family dinners or large gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 2¼ lb ground beef
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
Tomato Mixture
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1½ cups beef broth
Spices
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Dried parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain the excess fat to reduce grease.
- Add Flavorings: To the cooked beef, add the dried minced onion flakes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, black pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and onion powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer: Stir in the cooked pasta noodles until evenly mixed with the meat and tomato sauce. Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and flavorful.
- Add Cheese and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to melt slightly. Garnish with dried parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat in the dish.
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups and freezes well for meal prep.
- Feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
