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

Scale

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