Description
Southern Style Goulash is a hearty one-pot comfort meal made with seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
3 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, stir well, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- If using, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Let the goulash rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, peas, or corn for extra vegetables.
Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
