Southern Goulash is the ultimate comfort food that brings together hearty ground beef, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a deliciously tangy tomato base in a single pot. This beloved Southern staple is all about cozy flavors, easy prep, and that irresistible blend of tender pasta and savory beef, making it a weeknight hero and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving nostalgic flavors from your childhood, this dish never fails to deliver a soul-warming meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Southern Goulash is how it transforms simple pantry and fridge staples into something truly special. Each ingredient adds its own unique character, from the richness of the beef to the sweetness of bell peppers, creating a taste and texture that feels like a warm hug.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Delivers heartiness and flavor, providing that classic meaty goodness as the base of this dish.
- Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth, rounding out the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings gentle spice and aromatic punch to every bite.
- Green bell pepper (1, diced): Offers a pop of color and gentle crunch, balancing the dish’s richness.
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups, uncooked): The pasta soaks up all those savory juices, holding every flavor in its curve.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Forms the saucy, tangy backbone of the goulash.
- Diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz can): Adds texture and bright tomato flavor with a hint of acidity.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Beef broth (1 1/2 cups): Adds savory depth and ensures the pasta cooks up tender and flavorful.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Provides a subtle, umami-rich twang that elevates the whole dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Infuses the sauce with herbal brightness and a little Southern flair.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Gives a gentle smokiness and a gorgeous warm color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to make every ingredient shine.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): For a creamy finish and a touch of indulgence—completely optional but highly recommended!
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a pop of herbal brightness right before serving.
How to Make Southern Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. You’re looking for a nice, even browning—this step builds the deep, savory base for your Southern Goulash. If there’s extra grease once the beef is done, go ahead and drain it off.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic right on top of that sizzling beef. Sauté everything together for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the mixture already smells irresistible.
Step 3: Boost the Tomato Flavor
Stir in those two tablespoons of tomato paste, mixing until it coats the beef and vegetables. Cook for one minute—this really intensifies the tomato flavor and helps everything meld together.
Step 4: Add Saucy Ingredients & Simmer
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (juice and all), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer so the flavors can get to know each other.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a stir now and then—the pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Rest
Take your goulash off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese if you’re using it (and trust me, melting cheese over the top is hard to resist). Let the dish stand for five minutes. This little pause allows everything to thicken up and gives the flavors a chance to marry perfectly.
How to Serve Southern Goulash
Garnishes
Finish your piping-hot bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a lovely splash of color and a whisper of fresh flavor. For spice-lovers, a dash of red pepper flakes or a crack of black pepper on top brings everything up a notch.
Side Dishes
Southern Goulash shines as a one-pot star, but a slice of warm cornbread or a simple green salad are fantastic sides. Add a side of garlic toast if you’re feeling extra indulgent, and you’ll have plates (and hearts) wiped clean.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your goulash in individual ramekins with broiled cheese for a bubbling, golden topping, or ladle it over baked potatoes for a filling twist. You can even scoop leftovers into bell pepper halves, top with cheese, and bake for a cozy stuffed pepper variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Southern Goulash is a meal-prepper’s dream. Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making every bite just as tasty (if not more so) the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Transfer completely cooled Southern Goulash into airtight freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and freeze for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space for expansion to prevent any unwanted messes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your goulash gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess. Individual portions can be microwaved, covered, in thirty-second bursts until steaming hot.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Absolutely! Southern Goulash is just as delicious with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage. You can mix things up depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Is this dish spicy?
Southern Goulash isn’t inherently spicy, making it family-friendly, but you can easily add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Does the pasta get mushy if I make it ahead?
While the macaroni will absorb more sauce as it sits and soften slightly, it will still hold up well for several days. A splash of broth or water during reheating helps keep it saucy and satisfying.
Can I make this Southern Goulash dairy-free?
Definitely! Just skip the shredded cheddar cheese at the end. The dish is flavorful enough on its own without the cheese and will still deliver all those classic comforting vibes.
What’s the best way to add extra veggies?
Feel free to toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn along with the onions and peppers for a veggie boost. Southern Goulash is a flexible recipe, so add what you love!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that’s as heartwarming as it is simple, Southern Goulash is the answer. From easy weeknight meals to cozy Sunday suppers, its combination of bold flavors and timeless comfort is just waiting to become your next family favorite. Scoop up a big bowl, dig in, and see why this classic never goes out of style!
Print
Southern Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Southern Goulash is a comforting one-pot meal that combines ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and a savory tomato-based sauce. This hearty dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are soft.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, if using. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This dish freezes well and makes great leftovers.
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