Savor the comforting warmth of Yankee Goulash Ziti, a hearty casserole that’s a delicious fusion of classic American goulash and baked ziti. This family-friendly recipe combines tender ziti pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based sauce made irresistible with onions, garlic, and colorful bell peppers. Topped with a gooey layer of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this oven-baked dish is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this crowd-pleaser is ready in under an hour and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of brightness. With flavors that meld beautifully and an irresistible cheesy finish, Yankee Goulash Ziti is bound to become a household favorite.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir until the pasta is well coated.
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Calories |
3466 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 169.6 g | 217% | |
| Saturated Fat | 73.5 g | 368% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 509 mg | 170% | |
| Sodium | 5556 mg | 242% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 320.0 g | 116% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.9 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.9 g | ||
| Protein | 185.0 g | 370% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1889 mg | 145% | |
| Iron | 26.3 mg | 146% | |
| Potassium | 3026 mg | 64% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.