Sue'S Oven Goulash
Sue's Oven Goulash is a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish with savory ground beef, tomatoes, green peppers, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion and cook until tender. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, chopped green pepper, pepper, and salt.
- Combine the mixture with cooked macaroni.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on this Oven Goulash, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version. You can also use whole grain macaroni for added fiber. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Oven Goulash with a side salad for a complete meal, or pair it with garlic bread for a comforting dinner. It also goes well with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Party And Picnic Meatballs for a hearty gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store the goulash in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sue'S Oven Goulash contains roughly 302 calories, with 10g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1884mg per serving (82% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the goulash a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of macaroni?
If you don't have macaroni on hand, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like penne, rotini, or even rice. Just ensure the cooking times are adjusted accordingly so that the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein or a store-bought veggie ground. Additionally, increase the amount of chopped vegetables or add beans for extra protein and fiber, making it a delicious vegetarian option.
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).