Southern Style Goulash Recipe
Introduction
Southern Style Goulash is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe combines tender ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and tender elbow macaroni for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Step 3: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 6: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring well to coat. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Step 7: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot. For extra flavor, add shredded cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a handful of shredded cheese before serving.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be used in place of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Southern Style Goulash ahead of time?
Yes, this dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Prepare it a day ahead and reheat before serving.
Can I freeze this goulash?
You can freeze Southern Style Goulash for up to 2 months. Cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Southern Style Goulash Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Southern Style Goulash is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce simmered with spices and Worcestershire sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this savory dish combines simple ingredients into a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced yellow onion to the pot with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Cook the Macaroni: While the sauce simmers, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the simmering sauce and stir well to coat the pasta. Let it simmer together for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors come together.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. If desired, garnish the goulash with chopped parsley for freshness. Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese for extra richness and flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth or low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
- Optional: Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese when serving.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: southern goulash, beef goulash, stovetop pasta, comfort food, one-pot meal, ground beef recipes, elbow macaroni recipes
