Growing up, this was a company dish. Still tastes as good as I remember it!

Goulash is a hearty dish that originated in medieval Hungary, gaining popularity among shepherds and eventually spreading throughout Europe. The name comes from the Hungarian "gulyás," which means "herdsman." Traditionally, goulash is a stew made with meat, noodles, vegetables, and a rich paprika-based broth. However, various adaptations have sprung up over the years, and the Cheesy Baked Goulash is a delicious twist that combines the comforting flavors of the classic stew with the gooeyness of melted cheese and the satisfying crunch of a baked pasta dish.

When serving Cheesy Baked Goulash, you're offering a robust, standalone meal that doesn't need much in the way of accompaniments. A simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any delicious sauce that remains. If you're looking for something more substantial, consider adding steamed green beans or roasted vegetables to add a bit of texture and freshness to the meal. For a true Central European experience, you might enjoy this goulash with a dollop of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or dill.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked), can use other pasta tho
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon paprika (preferably Hungarian)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, and cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

4. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Transfer half of the beef and macaroni mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the layer.

6. Add the remaining beef and macaroni mixture on top of the layer of cheese.

7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.

8. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Let the Cheesy Baked Goulash cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve your Cheesy Baked Goulash hot and enjoy the comforting embrace of this fusion dish which marries the traditional Hungarian flavors with a cheesy, oven-baked twist.