Goulash And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing

Goulash is a hearty dish that can be made in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference and cultural background. While the Hungarian version is a thick meat and vegetable stew seasoned with paprika, American goulash is typically a quicker dish made with ground beef, tomato sauce, herbs, and elbow macaroni noodles. This dish is often referred to as American Chop Suey or slumgullion.

When it comes to cheese, there are several options to choose from. Some recipes call for shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of each bowl, while others suggest stirring in sour cream or shredded mozzarella cheese. For a pizza-inspired twist, you can even garnish with diced pepperoni and a dusting of Parmesan cheese.

So, whether you're a traditionalist or an experimental chef, feel free to get creative with your goulash and find the combination of ingredients that suits your taste!

Cheddar cheese

Cheesy American Goulash

Ingredients

• Ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• Pasta (elbow macaroni or similar)
• Onion and garlic
• Tomatoes (sauce and diced)
• Cheese (shredded cheddar and mozzarella)
• Pantry ingredients (basil, seasoning salt, and black pepper)

Method

• Cook the pasta to al dente while working on the meat sauce.
• Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, adding the onion halfway through and the garlic near the end.
• Mix spices with tomato products in a baking dish.
• Add the ground beef along with the pasta and mix well.
• Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
• Top with shredded mozzarella.
• Bake until golden brown (about 30 minutes).

Tips

• You can use any type of pasta, but elbow macaroni is traditional.
• You can vary the cheese however you want.
• If you want a more Hungarian-style goulash, add 1-2 teaspoons of paprika.
• You can make an Italian version using Italian sausage, jarred spaghetti marinara sauce, and changing the cheese to mozzarella and Parmesan.
• You can add other spices, like oregano, rosemary, or thyme, for different flavors. You can also try some Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper.
• While mixing the sauce, add other vegetables, like chopped bell pepper, celery, corn, or drained beans.

Mozzarella cheese

Choosing the Right Mozzarella

Select a variety of mozzarella cheese that suits your preference. Fresh mozzarella, also known as "Fior di Latte," has a softer texture and a delicate flavour. It's often sold in blocks submerged in liquid. Alternatively, go for low-moisture mozzarella, which is firmer and easier to grate or shred. This variety is more commonly used in cooked dishes.

Preparing the Mozzarella

Before adding mozzarella to your goulash, you'll need to shred or grate it. Fresh mozzarella can be shredded using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment. For low-moisture mozzarella, which is already firmer, a box grater or a handheld grater will work well. Shred the cheese to your desired consistency, whether fine or coarse.

Amount to Use

The amount of mozzarella cheese to add to your goulash depends on your personal preference and the desired cheesiness. A good starting point is to use a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 of cheese to the other ingredients. You can always adjust the amount based on your taste. If you're making a larger batch, you may want to use a bit more cheese to ensure a consistent flavour throughout the dish.

Adding Mozzarella to Goulash

Now, let's get into the cooking process. Here's a step-by-step guide on incorporating mozzarella into your goulash:

• Prepare the other ingredients for your goulash, such as ground beef, onion, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings.
• Cook the pasta (elbow macaroni or similar) until it's al dente.
• In a separate pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion halfway through the cooking process, and add the minced or crushed garlic near the end.
• Mix your spices with tomato products (sauce, diced tomatoes, etc.) in a baking dish.
• Combine the cooked ground beef with the pasta and your tomato mixture, stirring well.
• Here comes the cheese! Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring it's evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
• Transfer the goulash to a baking dish and top it off with additional shredded mozzarella for that extra cheesy goodness.
• Bake your goulash in the oven until it's golden brown, which usually takes around 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Customisation and Variations

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours to make your goulash unique. Here are some ideas:

• Meat alternatives: Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Cheese combinations: While this guide focuses on mozzarella, you can also combine it with other cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, or a mix of your favourites.
• Spices and herbs: Play around with spices like paprika, oregano, rosemary, or thyme to add depth of flavour to your goulash.
• Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture of your goulash by adding chopped bell peppers, celery, onions, or even drained beans.

Remember, the beauty of cooking is in the creativity and personal touch you bring to each dish. So, feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking and enjoy your delicious, cheesy goulash!

Parmesan cheese

Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese with a strong, nutty flavour. It is often used as a topping for pasta dishes, but can also be incorporated into sauces and casseroles.

When making an American-style goulash, you can use Parmesan in addition to, or instead of, other cheeses. For example, you could use Parmesan and mozzarella together as a topping, or just Parmesan.

If you want to make an Italian-style goulash, Parmesan is a great choice. You could use it alongside mozzarella and pepperoni or other pizza toppings, to give your goulash an Italian twist.

Parmesan is also a good option if you are making a gluten-free goulash, as it is naturally gluten-free.

Finally, Parmesan is a very versatile cheese that can be used in many different ways. You can add it at the end of cooking, stirring it into the goulash to make it creamy, or sprinkle it on top of each bowl of goulash for extra flavour.

So, if you're looking to add a cheesy twist to your goulash, Parmesan is a great option!

Sour cream

Hungarian goulash is a traditional beef and vegetable stew, seasoned with paprika and usually served over buttered noodles or potatoes. It is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for cold weather. The dish has its roots in medieval Hungary, where it was first prepared by herdsmen. Over time, it has evolved, with immigrants bringing it to the US in the mid-1800s, and it became one of the most popular meat dishes in the country.

The process of making Hungarian goulash involves simmering beef, onions, and sometimes tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers together. The beef is typically chuck roast, cut into small chunks and coated in flour, which helps to thicken the stew. The onions are cooked until wilted, and spices like sweet Hungarian paprika and caraway seeds are added for flavour. The beef is then added and cooked until tender, before the sour cream is incorporated.

The addition of sour cream to Hungarian goulash is what sets it apart from other variations, like American goulash. American goulash typically uses ground beef, Italian spices, and macaroni, and is often sprinkled with cheese. While cheese is not a traditional ingredient in Hungarian goulash, American goulash often includes cheddar and mozzarella.

No cheese

Goulash is a comforting, hearty meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. While there are many variations, the classic American Goulash is a quick dish made from ground beef, tomato sauce, herbs, and elbow macaroni noodles.

The beauty of this dish is its versatility. You can add or omit ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences. For instance, you can make a delicious goulash with no cheese at all. This option is ideal for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply not fond of cheese.

To make a classic American Goulash without cheese, follow these simple steps:

Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic, then drain the excess fat. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as an alternative. For a vegetarian option, try plant-based meat substitutes or simply omit the meat and add more vegetables.

Add all the sauce ingredients to the meat and simmer. The sauce typically includes broth or water, diced tomatoes, tomato paste or sauce, and seasonings such as Italian seasoning, paprika, bay leaf, seasoned salt, and pepper. You can also add Worcestershire sauce, chili flakes, or other spices to enhance the flavor.

Stir in the elbow macaroni noodles and continue to simmer until the pasta is tender. You can use other types of small pasta shapes such as shells, penne, or rotini if you prefer. Be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

That's it! You've made a classic American Goulash with no cheese. This dish is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve it with crusty bread or biscuits to soak up every last bit of the flavorful sauce. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions