Q1: What is the difference between an American Goulash and a Hungarian Goulash?

While they share a name, they are two very different dishes! A traditional Hungarian Goulash is a rich, slow-simmered beef and onion stew that is heavily seasoned with paprika. An American Goulash , like this recipe, is a much quicker, one-pot dish that typically features ground beef, a tomato-based sauce, and a pasta like elbow macaroni or egg noodles.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this is an absolutely perfect make-ahead meal! The flavors will actually be even better on the second day. For the best texture, it is a great idea to prepare the beef and vegetable sauce completely and store it separately from the cooked noodles . When you are ready to eat, you can simply reheat the sauce and toss it with the fresh noodles.

Q3: How do I keep my noodles from getting too mushy in the leftovers?

Because the noodles are mixed in with the sauce, they will naturally continue to soften and absorb the liquid as the dish sits in the refrigerator. This will make the leftovers even thicker and still delicious! If you strongly prefer your pasta to be al dente , the best method is to cook the noodles separately and simply store them separately, tossing them together with the sauce just before you serve or reheat them.

Q4: Can I freeze this skillet meal?

Yes, this is a fantastic freezer meal! Let the finished skillet mixture cool completely. You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it gently on the stovetop.

Q5: Can I cook the noodles directly in the skillet to make it a true one-pan meal?

You can, but you will need to adjust the recipe. To make this a true one-pan meal, you will need to add about 2 to 3 extra cups of liquid (like beef broth or water) to the skillet along with the tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a boil, then stir in your uncooked noodles , cover the pan, and let it simmer until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.

The Easiest Cheesy Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet

A quick and easy one-skillet meal, this Chili Beef Noodle Skillet is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight. The recipe features a simple chili base made by cooking ground beef with onion, celery, garlic, and diced tomatoes, all seasoned with chili powder. Cooked egg noodles are stirred directly into the beef mixture, and the entire skillet is finished with a layer of melted cheddar cheese.

Author: Evelyn

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) egg noodles
2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 to 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, celery, and garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Drain off any excess grease.
Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until heated through.
Drain the cooked noodles and stir them into the beef mixture until everything is well combined and heated through.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it stand for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Serve immediately.

Notes

This is a very fast one-pan meal (for the main components), making it ideal for a busy weeknight.
The cheese is melted using the residual heat of the dish after it has been removed from the stove, which prevents the bottom from scorching.
This dish is similar to a classic ‘chili mac’.

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/ground-beef-and-noodle-skillet/