If you crave bold flavors in a hearty one-pot meal, Southern Goulash is going to win you over. This comfort classic brings together tender ground beef, aromatic veggies, tangy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked macaroni, all in a rich, savory sauce that’s outrageously satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, warm hug at the end of a long day, and the leftovers are somehow even tastier. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping cozy meals for the week, Southern Goulash delivers serious flavor with minimum fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Southern Goulash lies in its everyday ingredients—each one has a special role to play! With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh basics, you’ll achieve amazing depth of flavor and that signature southern comfort in every bite.
- Ground beef: The hearty base of the dish, providing rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- Onion: Adds mellow sweetness and irresistible aroma once sautéed.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a subtle crunch and a lovely hint of earthiness.
- Garlic: Infuses the goulash with classic, savory depth—don’t skip it!
- Tomato sauce: The silky foundation that helps bind the sauce together.
- Diced tomatoes: Offer pops of juicy texture and a natural tang.
- Beef broth: Enhances savoriness and ensures a luscious, hearty sauce for your pasta.
- Worcestershire sauce: Slyly ups the umami, tying all the flavors together with a Southern twist.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth, plus a dash of gorgeous color.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors in the pot.
- Black pepper: Brings a touch of gentle spice to round out each bite.
- Italian seasoning: Provides a blend of herbs to amp up those homey, comforting notes.
- Elbow macaroni: The go-to pasta here, soaking up that sauce and delivering the perfect chewy bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts in for creamy decadence—totally recommended!
- Olive oil: Gets everything sizzling and lends smoothness to the final dish.
How to Make Southern Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’ll want it nicely browned, with no more pink showing—this really lays the flavor foundation. Drain off any excess fat carefully to keep things hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Stir in your chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic. This is where the magic starts to happen! Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until everything softens and the flavors start mingling. The aroma at this stage signals you’re on the path to classic Southern Goulash.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a big stir so that the ingredients are perfectly mixed. This combination creates a rich, flavorful base with just the right balance between tangy and savory.
Step 4: Add the Macaroni
Toss in the uncooked elbow macaroni, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the mixture gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every now and then to keep the pasta from sticking. The macaroni should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed—there’s something so cozy about watching those little noodles plump up and soak in the sauce.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Rest
Once the pasta is cooked, take your skillet off the heat. If you’re a cheese fan, stir in that generous cup of shredded cheddar until melty and luscious. Let the Southern Goulash rest for about 5 minutes, which helps everything settle and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Southern Goulash
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or scallions adds brightness and a pop of color. For even more Southern charm, try a dusting of smoked paprika, or an extra shower of shredded cheddar for those cheese-lovers in your life.
Side Dishes
Southern Goulash shines as a main event, but it loves company! Serve it with a side of buttery cornbread, classic Southern green beans, or a simple crisp salad to balance the richness. It’s also amazing alongside pickled veggies or a cool cucumber salad for a tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the goulash into individual bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy twist. Or, serve it family-style from a rustic Dutch oven in the center of the table for maximum comfort vibes! For parties, spoon goulash into mini ramekins for adorable, ready-to-eat portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Southern Goulash cool before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or leisurely lunches.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Cool the goulash completely, then portion into airtight freezer bags or containers. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. The pasta may soften a bit when thawed, but the overall flavors remain fabulous.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers gently in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. It also microwaves well—just cover to prevent splatters and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Is Southern Goulash spicy?
Southern Goulash has a gentle warmth from paprika and black pepper, but it isn’t spicy. If you like more heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or choose a spicy paprika to ramp things up.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for Southern Goulash, small shells, rotini, or gluten-free pasta varieties work beautifully and absorb the flavors just as well.
What’s the best way to make Southern Goulash vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. All the savory tomato goodness and pasta will still shine in every bite.
Can I prepare Southern Goulash in advance?
Definitely! Southern Goulash not only reheats well but actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend. It’s an ideal dish to make ahead for busy nights or meal prep.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, try a splash of soy sauce or a bit of steak sauce for a similar punch of umami. The goulash will still be absolutely delicious!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a big, steaming bowl of Southern Goulash, full of simple charm and robust flavor. Give this recipe a try and watch as it becomes a regular request at your table—it’s that kind of meal you’ll want to share with all your favorite people.
Print
Southern Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Southern Goulash recipe that combines ground beef, tomatoes, macaroni, and flavorful seasonings for a delicious one-pot meal. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Pasta:
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Add Sauce and Pasta: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Simmer, then add macaroni. Cook covered until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese if desired. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use smoked paprika or add red pepper flakes for heat.
- This dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
