Southern Style Goulash is a comforting dish that fills bellies and warms hearts with its rich, hearty ingredients. This recipe blends ground beef, elbow macaroni, and savory tomatoes into a delightful one-pot meal. Whether you are cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a dish that brings the family together around the table, this Southern-style goulash is sure to satisfy.
Why cook this at home
There are several reasons to whip up this goulash in your kitchen. First, it is budget-friendly, utilizing a few staple ingredients to create a filling meal. Additionally, it can easily be customized to suit various tastes, making it suitable for picky eaters. The cooking process is straightforward, allowing you to prepare it relatively quickly without sacrificing flavor. If you are looking for nourishment that doesn’t compromise on taste, this is a recipe worth trying at home.
Preparing Southern Style Goulash
- Sauté the onion and garlic for a fragrant base.
- Brown the ground beef, ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes for richness.
- Add beef broth and seasonings to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate the elbow macaroni and let it simmer until tender.
- Finish with optional cheese for added creaminess.
Key ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
The combination of ingredients offers a well-rounded flavor profile, while the beef broth serves as the perfect base to meld all the flavors together.
Cooking method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it is browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring it to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
Serving suggestions
Serving goulash can be done in a variety of ways. Ladle the goulash into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Consider pairing it with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some garlic bread or even roasted vegetables. These pairings elevate the dish while keeping the focus on the goulash itself.
How to store and freeze
To ensure the goulash stays fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to three months. To do this, allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, ensure you heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F, whether in the microwave or on the stovetop. Always remember the food safety rule: do not leave perishable food out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Tips for best results
- Make sure to drain the excess grease from the beef to avoid a greasy final product.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding in diced bell peppers while sautéing the onion.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Don’t skip the resting time; letting it sit for a few minutes after cooking allows the flavors to meld.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
Ways to change it up
- Swap out the elbow macaroni for a different pasta shape such as penne or fusilli for varying textures.
- Substitute some ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the dish.
- Change the seasoning with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped vegetables like zucchini or spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
- Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare this goulash?
The total prep and cook time is around 30–40 minutes, which makes it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to three months. Just make sure it is cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for beef broth?
If you want to use a different base, chicken broth can work well too, though it may slightly change the flavor.
Is it okay to adjust the seasonings?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to tweak the seasonings to fit your palate.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance and store them separately. When ready, simply follow the cooking instructions for a fresh goulash.
There’s something wholesome about gathering around a bowl of hearty Southern Style Goulash. Its simplicity allows plenty of room for creativity, so feel free to experiment with variations that match your tastes. Give this recipe a try, make it your own, and share your fantastic results with family and friends.
PrintSouthern Style Goulash
A comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, elbow macaroni, and savory tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Beef
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until it is browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring it to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, consider adding in diced bell peppers while sautéing the onion. If you prefer a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
