introduction
Southern Style Goulash is a hearty dish that brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table. It’s a perfect blend of beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce, making it a family favorite. With its easy preparation and delicious flavors, this goulash is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
why make this recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it’s simple and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights. Second, it combines pantry staples, so you likely have most ingredients on hand. Finally, it is filling and satisfying, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or a family.
how to make Southern Style Goulash
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)
Directions:
- Sauté Onion & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Liquids & Seasoning: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Pasta: Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy finish, if using. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.
how to serve Southern Style Goulash
Serve Southern Style Goulash hot in bowls. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad. You can also add extra cheese on top for a richer flavor.
how to store Southern Style Goulash
To store leftover goulash, let it cool down to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months.
tips to make Southern Style Goulash
- Be sure to stir the goulash occasionally while it simmers to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced bell peppers.
- For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
variation
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use different types of pasta such as penne or rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.
2. Is it necessary to add cheese?
No, adding cheese is optional. The goulash will still taste great without it, but cheese does add a nice creamy texture.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can make Southern Style Goulash ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a little extra broth if it seems too thick upon reheating.
Southern Style Goulash
A hearty Southern Style Goulash, perfect for family dinners, combining beef, pasta, and rich tomato sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: None
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
- Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add liquids & seasoning: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta: Stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Add cheese (optional): Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy finish, if using. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad. Can be made vegetarian by omitting meat and using vegetable broth.






