Beef and Mac-N-Cheese Goulash

4 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 40 m Total: 50 m Beginner
5.0/5 (4)
Beef and Mac-N-Cheese Goulash
This dish is easy, inexpensive and yummy comfort food being mixed into one pot with ground beef, macaroni and cheese, corn, bell pepper, and onion! Hungarian Goulash where the dish name Goulash originated was a stew mixture made with beef and vegetables. My guess is because what you cooked ended up in one pot where you “mixed all the stuff” together.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 (15 oz) can kernel corn, drained
  • 1 package macaroni and cheese, prepared
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to directions.
  2. Brown the ground meat, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Add onion and green pepper; sauté for 10 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and water and cook for 30 minutes on low heat, stirring to prevent scorching or sticking. Stir in the corn and prepared macaroni and cheese and remove from heat. Serve and enjoy!

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use homemade mac and cheese instead of boxed?

A: Absolutely! Use about 2 cups of prepared homemade mac and cheese. The boxed version just makes this an even quicker weeknight meal.

Q: Why is my goulash watery?

A: Make sure to drain the corn well and let the tomato sauce mixture simmer the full 30 minutes to reduce and thicken. If it's still too thin, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t skip the 30-minute simmer time—it allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken properly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • ground beef: ground turkey or ground chicken
  • bell pepper: poblano pepper or jalapeño
  • canned corn: frozen corn, thawed

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Separate pot for macaroni and cheese
  • Wooden spoon for stirring

Historical Context

Despite the “goulash” name referencing Hungarian origins, this Americanized version became popular in the mid-20th century as an economical, filling family meal. Southern home cooks embraced it as a pantry-friendly dinner that could feed a crowd.