Cheesy Beef Goulash

A combination of beans, pasta, meat and tomatoes this hearty one skillet meal for Goulash with tomato juice can be made in under 30 minutes.

If you enjoy this recipe you may also enjoy Cube Steak with Gravy and Crock Pot Beef Vegetable Soup.

Goulash With Tomato Juice Recipe

Stewed tomatoes nestled in a combination of pasta, beans and ground beef cooking in tomato juice to create an easy homemade goulash recipe.

A friend shared this one-pot cheesy beef goulash recipe that is only 7 points per serving on the Weight Watchers plan.  We like how this meal is more meaty and less soupy than our Farmhouse Chili. The pinto beans are a low calorie way to add fiber and flavor to our goulash.

Just like our Hamburger and Cabbage Casserole and Kielbasa and Pierogis this is one of those traditional Midwest winter meals we enjoy serving.

While the recipe is cheesy to start with extra cheese can always be added after reheating to make the beef goulash with tomato juice have more flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

• The recipe could be easily doubled to make a large meal or plenty of leftovers and the liquid makes it easy to keep warm while waiting to serve if necessary.
• When reheating add a splash of tomato juice and sprinkling of a little more cheese if you please.
• Excellent one-skillet meals that warms us up in the winter after working outside on the farm.  This is a great new recipe to add to the meal rotation!
• A warm bowl of Goulash is perfect for cool days!

With meat, cheese and pasta at its base this is a classic midwest dish that is a popular way to feed your family that is lighter than our Crock Pot Baked Beans.

Ingredients Needed:

• Ground beef – we like to use a very lean mix that is corn fed and grown on our farm or purchased at the grocery store.
• Tomato juice – lighter than pasta sauce, marinara sauce or tomato soup this is a healthy way to make this recipe.
• Pasta – elbow macaroni works best in this recipe, but other small pasta that can blend in with the variety of ingredients work well too.
• Onion – adds an earthy flavor and contrast to the meat and pasta.
• Pinto Beans – kidney bean can be substituted.
• Stewed tomatoes – the chunks are visually appealing and maximize flavor.
• Green chiles – add a little kick and flavor to this classic midwest goulash.
• Chili powder – adds spice and flavor.

Goulash Recipe With Tomato Juice

Using a large skillet brown ground beef. Drain and add chopped onion. Stir until onion softens.

Cook on medium high heat and stir in undrained tomatoes, drained green chiles, tomato juice and chili powder.

Stir well.

Then add drained beans and raw pasta.

Stir again, cover and simmer on low until macaroni is tender. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Once skillet is cooked through serve warm.

Spoon into bowls and sprinkle cheese on top just before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Add 1 cup of corn to create a goulash recipe with corn.
• Portion control is the key to keeping this a Weight Watchers recipe.
• Reserve some tomato juice to add while reheating.

More Easy Family Meals

• Kielbasa and Noodles has cabbage to create a delicious classic that we always enjoy.
• Hamburger and Noodle Casserole is warm, creamy and oh so good.
• Chicken and Noodles for a Crowd is great for big parties or potlucks.
• Roast Beef Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls has a creamy sauce and buttery slider to enhance the cheese and roast beef filling.
• Cinnamon Roll Waffles make a great breakfast or side dish for chili.

We hope you enjoy these delicious meals and casseroles as much as we do!

Printable Cheesy Beef Goulash Recipe

Recipe originally shared on January 4, 2018 with updates made on February 22, 2024.