This Southern Goulash with Beef and Tomatoes: Easy One-Pot Hamburger Helper Copycat 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 not only easy to make but also packed with flavor.
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 not only delicious but also 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.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- One-Pot: Minimal cleanup required.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this flavorful dish.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices.
If you like this Southern recipe, you may also love our One Pot Cheesy Pasta with Ground Beef or Dutch Oven Chili.
Jump to:
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- 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.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Southern Goulash with Beef and Tomatoes – Easy One-Pot Hamburger Helper Copycat Recipe
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.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- 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 Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Spice: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian: Replace the beef with a mix of beans and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
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- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
How Should You Store This?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
The goulash should be completely cool before freezing to prevent ice crystals. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
Fresh onions and garlic make a big difference in flavor.
Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce ensures it absorbs all the flavors.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the goulash thickens too much.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover ground beef in this Dutch Oven Chili: Cincinnati Style.
- Turn extra diced tomatoes into a Fire Roasted Salsa.
- Add leftover macaroni to this Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Pair with a simple green salad.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Creamy Beef Stroganoff without Mushrooms
- Pappardelle Bolognese Recipe
- One Pot Cheesy Pasta with Ground Beef (Chili Mac)
Related
More Southern recipes you will love:
FAQ
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.
📖 Recipe
Southern Goulash with Beef and Tomato: Easy One-Pot Hamburger Helper
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.
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.
Nutrition
This Southern Goulash with Beef and Tomatoes – Easy One-Pot Hamburger Helper Copycat Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Try it out, share your results, and explore more comforting recipes on our blog!
Important Food Safety Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Reheat thoroughly to a safe internal temperature.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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