Dad'S Easy Goulash Casserole
A comforting casserole combining savory ground beef, creamy corn, and tender macaroni, flavored with paprika, red pepper, Parmesan, and Worcestershire sauce for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start boiling water for 2 cups of macaroni.
- Fry ground beef or turkey in a skillet.
- Add a small onion or dried crushed onion and cook until softened.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.
- Put a can of cream-style corn in a large casserole dish.
- Add paprika and red pepper to the corn.
- Stir the pepper well into the corn to avoid hot lumps.
- Add the tomato soup and stir to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle cheese on top if baking in the oven.
- Add Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
- Combine all ingredients in the casserole dish.
- Heat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a splash of milk or cream with the tomato soup. If you want to add more vegetables, diced bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the flavor. You can also use whole wheat macaroni for a healthier twist. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ground beef or turkey works just as well. This dish can be customized like many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this goulash casserole with a side salad for a fresh contrast, or pair it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. It also goes well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. This dish is hearty enough to be a main course by itself, but you might also consider pairing it with a creamy dip like Round Rye Dip for extra flavor at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, or cover the casserole dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. If frozen, it can last up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Easy Goulash Casserole contains roughly 894 calories, with 38g protein, 123g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (282% of the Daily Value), iron (141% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (140% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1200mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this goulash casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble all ingredients, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a little extra cooking time to ensure it heats thoroughly. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
Can I substitute the ground beef or turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it's cooked thoroughly.
What can I do if I don't have tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Just add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if needed. This will still provide a rich tomato flavor in your casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).