This Southern Goulash recipe is the perfect solution for busy families looking for a quick, comforting meal. Combining savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and tender pasta, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
If you love hearty, beefy comfort food, you’ll want to try this Southern Meatloaf Recipe or this Southern Chili Mac, too!
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Southern Goulash, a comforting and hearty dish, is a staple in many Southern homes. Combining ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni in a rich, savory sauce, this one-pot meal is delicious and incredibly easy to prepare.
This recipe brings a Southern twist to the classic American goulash, reminiscent of the beloved Hamburger Helper but with a homemade touch.
Serve this Southern Goulash with a side of Classic Cornbread to soak up all the rich, savory sauce, or add a helping of Southern Green Beans and Bacon for a flavorful, well-rounded meal."
Why We Love This Recipe
- One-Pot: Minimal cleanup required.
- Family-Friendly: A classic Southern dish that both kids and adults love, much like Homemade Sloppy Joe Sliders.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Goulash can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices.
Southern Goulash Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best, providing a hearty base for the goulash.
- Onions and Garlic: Essential for building a flavorful base.
- Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
- Beef Broth: Enhances the savory taste and helps cook the pasta.
- Red Wine (Optional): Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For a touch of umami.
- Italian Seasoning and Paprika: Essential spices that bring out the best flavors.
- Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese (Optional): Melts into the goulash, making it creamy and delicious.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ground Beef: Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Red Wine: Substitute with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
How to Make Southern Goulash
STEP ONE: Prepare the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Vegetables
Add the diced onions to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
STEP THREE: Build the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and bay leaves. Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
STEP FOUR: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the Shellbow macaroni. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
Remove the bay leaves and season with salt and black pepper. If using, top with shredded cheese until melted. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Use fresh onions and garlic. They make a big difference in flavor.
✔️ DO Cook the pasta directly in the sauce ensuring it absorbs all the flavors.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The goulash should be completely cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the goulash thickens too much.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can prepare Southern Goulash ahead of time. Cook the goulash as directed, then let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth if the goulash has thickened.
You can add various vegetables to Southern Goulash to improve its flavor and nutrition. Popular additions include bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. Dice the vegetables and add them to the pot when sautéing the onions and garlic.
To add some heat to your Southern Goulash, you can include cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adding hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Sriracha, to the finished dish can also give it a spicy kick.
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📖 Recipe
Southern Goulash
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups Shellbow macaroni or elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 large onions diced
- 2 cans 14.5 ounces each diced tomatoes
- 2 cans 8 ounces each tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 ¼ cups beef broth
- ½ cup red wine optional, for depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese optional
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onions to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and bay leaves.
- Add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the Shellbow macaroni (or elbow macaroni). Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Add more broth if necessary.
- Remove the bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- If using, top with the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
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Notes
- Ground Beef: Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Red Wine: Substitute with extra beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
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