Southern Style Goulash is a comforting dish that brings a sense of home-cooked goodness to the table. This hearty meal combines ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato base, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. When you need something that warms both the stomach and the spirit, this goulash stands ready to satisfy your hunger with its delightful blend of ingredients.
Why cook this at home
One of the best aspects of Southern Style Goulash is how budget-friendly it is. Using simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, it delivers both nutrition and flavor without breaking the bank. It’s a quick option that allows you to prepare a wholesome meal in under an hour, which is fantastic when you’re short on time. This dish is also a hit among children, making it an ideal choice for family dinners when you want something everyone will enjoy.
Steps at a glance
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, then season.
- Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni and simmer until cooked through.
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)
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. If you’re in the mood for something different, consider swapping the elbow macaroni for a different shape, such as penne or rotini.
Cooking method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
What to serve it with
Southern Style Goulash is wonderfully versatile in terms of pairings. Serve it alongside a simple side salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only makes for a beautiful garnish but adds a hint of freshness that complements the dish perfectly.
How to store and freeze
For optimal freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the goulash for up to 3 months. When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safety. Always remember the two-hour rule: refrigerate or freeze any leftovers within two hours to prevent foodborne illness.
Tips for best results
- Brown the beef effectively to develop a deep flavor.
- Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning to your preference as you cook.
- If your goulash appears too thick, feel free to add a bit more beef broth or water while it simmers.
- For a creamier texture, consider stirring in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream just before serving.
Ways to change it up
Experimenting with Southern Style Goulash can be fun. Introduce some heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes. For a veggie boost, toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, try substituting half of the ground beef with lentils for a vegetarian option that’s still hearty and satisfying.
Your questions answered
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work great and can add texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Incorporate diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the heat level.
Can I substitute ground beef?
Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you prefer leaner meats.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Certainly! Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as the protein substitute.
How long does it take to cook this dish?
The overall preparation and cooking time is about 40-50 minutes from start to finish.
Many home cooks cherish recipes like Southern Style Goulash that marry practicality with comfort. Experiment with the ingredients and methods to discover your ideal combination, and don’t hesitate to share your results with family and friends!
Southern Style Goulash
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
