When you’re craving a warm, hearty dinner that checks all the boxes—comforting, flavorful, and downright satisfying—Southern Goulash steps up to the plate. This dish brings together seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, tomato-forward sauce in one glorious pot. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like home the moment it hits the table, whether it’s a midweek family meal or a casual gathering with friends. Every spoonful offers a blend of savory beef, sweet tomatoes, and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Get ready for a comforting bowl of Southern Goulash! This easy, one-pot wonder is packed with flavor and perfect for any night.
As a self-proclaimed comfort food enthusiast, I love how Southern Goulash mixes simple ingredients into something so heartwarming. The first time I tried it, I was transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of bubbling tomato sauce and sizzling beef signaled that everything was going to be okay. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the seasonings, added a handful of fresh herbs, and experimented with extra veggies, but that soulful, all-in-one-bowl magic never changes. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the must-have ingredients to insider tips on perfect flavor balance—so that you can whip up your own batch of this classic Comfort Food favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, Southern Goulash is a Beginner-level, crowd-pleasing meal you can customize to your heart’s content.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SOUTHERN GOULASH
Every great dish starts with quality ingredients. In Southern Goulash, each component contributes a unique note to the melody of flavors, balancing richness, brightness, and a hint of spice. Here’s what you need:
- Ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory foundation and a rich, meaty texture.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed until soft and translucent.
- Bell pepper: Offers a crisp contrast and a pop of color, plus a mild vegetal flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with pungent warmth and aromatic complexity.
- Diced tomatoes: Add juicy, chunky brightness and a refreshing acidity to balance the richness.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, saucy base that envelops every strand of pasta.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce for a velvety consistency.
- Beef broth: Deepens the savory profile and ensures the pasta simmers in a flavorful liquid.
- Worcestershire sauce: Lends a tangy umami kick that elevates the beefy notes.
- Hot sauce: (Optional) Introduces heat and a hint of vinegar sharpness for extra excitement.
- Dried basil: Contributes a sweet, herbaceous aroma that complements the tomato elements.
- Dried oregano: Delivers an earthy, slightly peppery accent typical of classic comfort cooking.
- Sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out the tomato flavors with a whisper of sweetness.
- Elbow macaroni: Captures little pockets of sauce in each curved hollow, making every bite saucy.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors and bring everything into harmony.
- Olive oil: Provides a slick cooking medium for browning beef and softening vegetables without sticking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: (Optional) Melts into a luscious topping, adding gooey richness and a sharp finish.
HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN GOULASH
Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the simple, one-pot process that makes this Goulash Recipe such a winner. You’ll find that each step builds layers of taste and texture, transforming humble pantry staples into a soul-satisfying masterpiece.
1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and then the ground beef. Brown the beef, using your wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks evenly. Once fully cooked through, carefully drain any excess fat to keep the sauce from getting greasy.
2. Toss in the chopped onions, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir the mixture frequently for about 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables become tender and fragrant—this step builds your flavor base.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly so the paste dissolves into the sauce and coats every bit of beef and veg in that bright tomato goodness.
4. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if you’re using it), dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir until all the seasonings are evenly distributed, creating a cohesive, savory-sweet broth.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the elbow macaroni. Make sure each piece of pasta is submerged and coated in the sauce for uniform cooking.
6. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Taste and season with salt and pepper until it sings.
7. If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again for a couple of minutes so the cheese can melt into a gooey blanket.
8. Once the cheese has fully melted (or when the goulash reaches your desired consistency), remove from heat and serve hot—every comforting forkful is ready to enjoy.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SOUTHERN GOULASH
When it comes time to plate this crowd-pleasing dinner, the possibilities are endless. A steamy bowl of Southern Goulash tastes amazing all on its own, but adding the right accompaniments takes it to the next level. Whether you’re aiming for traditional Southern hospitality or a modern twist, the key is to balance textures and flavors so that every element complements the rich, tomato-beef goodness at the heart of the dish.
- Classic Cornbread Companion: Serve hearty slices of warm, buttery cornbread alongside each bowl. The slightly sweet, crumbly bread soaks up the sauce beautifully—just spread a pat of butter on your cornbread wedge and dunk away.
- Melting Cheese Crown: Top each serving with an extra handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack. Let it sit for a minute to create a gooey, melty layer that pulls away in long, satisfying strands.
- Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Brighten the plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving. The green flecks add a visually appealing contrast and a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Hearty Side Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp side salad—think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and a zesty vinaigrette. The cool, acidic notes cut through the warm, savory goulash for a perfect harmony.
HOW TO STORE SOUTHERN GOULASH
Southern Goulash is one of those dishes that tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Proper storage ensures you maintain that fresh, saucy texture and keep flavors bright. Follow these guidelines to enjoy your Goulash Recipe long after you’ve cooked it, whether in the fridge or freezer.
- Refrigerate Properly: Allow the goulash to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents moisture buildup and keeps the sauce from becoming too watery.
- Freeze for Future Meals: For longer storage, portion the cooled goulash into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a bit of headspace for expansion. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Portion Control: Divide your goulash into single-serving containers before refrigerating or freezing. This makes reheating quick and easy—no need to defrost a giant batch if you only want one bowl.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between to promote even warming.
CONCLUSION
Southern Goulash isn’t just another one-pot meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and down-home comfort. From the first sizzle of ground beef hitting a hot Dutch oven to the final, cheese-topped moment when you scoop out a steaming serving, this recipe proves that satisfying dinners don’t have to be complicated. You’ve learned how each ingredient—from tomato paste to elbow macaroni—plays a role in building layers of taste, and you’ve seen that cooking techniques like browning and simmering can be both easy and transformative. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this Southern Goulash is guaranteed to bring smiles and second helpings.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder or bookmark it for quick reference on busy weeknights. You can also save it for later use—grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and in about half an hour, you’ll be serving up a dish that feels like a warm hug. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section to address common questions and troubleshooting tips, so you’ll be fully prepared to customize and perfect this Goulash Recipe. If you give this Southern Goulash a try or have any comments, questions, or feedback, I’d love to hear from you. Sharing your experiences helps everyone discover new twists and makes our home-cook community even richer!
Southern Goulash
Description
A hearty, savory blend of seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. This easy one-pot meal is pure comfort, customizable, and a guaranteed family pleaser.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
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Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
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Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well.
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Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), dried basil, oregano, and sugar. Stir to combine.
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Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the elbow macaroni. Stir to combine everything.
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Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover for a couple of minutes to allow it to melt.
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Once the cheese has melted (if using), remove from heat and serve hot.
Note
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well.
- For extra flavor, you can add a dash of smoked paprika or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer a creamier version, you can add a dollop of sour cream when serving.
- You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for more variety.
- Serve with cornbread or garlic bread on the side for a classic Southern touch.
