Southern Goulash is the kind of comforting, hearty, one-pot meal that could have come straight from your grandmother’s kitchen—a savory, tomato-rich beef and macaroni dish that warms both body and soul. This Southern classic showcases simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony with every spoonful offering a little bit of everything: tender pasta, perfectly seasoned beef, sweet aromatics, and just the right amount of saucy goodness. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving an easy weekday dinner, Southern Goulash is a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Southern Goulash is in its simplicity: each ingredient is practical and accessible, but when combined, they create a rich depth of flavor and a heartiness that’s unmistakably Southern. Every component brings something valuable to the table—whether it’s texture, color, or pure comfort.

Ground beef: Choose lean beef for a hearty base and fewer drippings, or go for regular if you want maximum flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a little crunch once sautéed.
Garlic: Brings essential aromatics and a punch of flavor that makes the whole dish sing.
Green bell pepper: Contributes fresh color and a hint of earthiness—don’t skip it if you want classic goulash taste!
Elbow macaroni: The pasta that soaks up all those savory juices; any small pasta shape can work in a pinch.
Tomato sauce: Provides a tangy, velvety base for your sauce.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds chunks of real tomato and extra moisture—don’t drain the can!
Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce for the perfect consistency.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a gentle smokiness that gives Southern Goulash its signature depth.
Italian seasoning: Balances out the tomatoes with classic herb flavors—oregano and basil shine through here.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for boosting all the other flavors; taste as you go!
Beef broth: Adds richness and makes the sauce extra savory; use low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt level.
Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that brings a hint of umami complexity to the final dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into gooey perfection on top—totally optional but highly recommended for cheese lovers.

How to Make Southern Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef and break it apart as it cooks, stirring frequently until it’s beautifully browned. Don’t rush this step—the browned bits add so much flavor. Once the beef is ready, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Now, toss in the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let these veggies sauté for about five minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts to smell irresistible. This trio lays the foundation for that classic Southern Goulash aroma and flavor.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly—this is where the magic happens, and you start to see the beautiful, savory sauce come together. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer so the flavors can blend.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Drop in the uncooked elbow macaroni, giving everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover your pot, and let the Southern Goulash gently bubble away for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and check for doneness—when the pasta is tender, it’s ready to go.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese (Optional)

If you’re opting for the cheesy touch, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top while the goulash is still hot. Cover the pot for a few minutes so the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Serve your Southern Goulash hot, spooned into bowls, with a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.

How to Serve Southern Goulash

Garnishes

To add a finishing touch, you can scatter fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of extra black pepper or a hint of hot sauce is perfect for those who like a little kick. If you love creamy richness, try a dollop of sour cream—seriously, it’s amazing!

Side Dishes

Southern Goulash pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, some buttery cornbread, or even a few slices of garlic Texas toast. Want something lighter? Steamed green beans or roasted veggies are easy, classic companions. There’s just something satisfying about a crisp salad that balances the richness of this homey dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle your goulash into wide soup bowls for a rustic look, or try serving it in individual ramekins topped with melty cheese. For a fun family night, offer a buffet of toppings—extra cheese, chopped herbs, and hot sauce—so everyone can customize their perfect bowl of Southern Goulash. Leftover goulash even makes a tasty baked casserole when topped with breadcrumbs and baked until bubbly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, scoop any leftover Southern Goulash into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. It will keep for up to four days, making it a fantastic meal prep option or next-day lunch that tastes just as satisfying as the first time around.

Freezing

Southern Goulash holds up wonderfully in the freezer. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Label them with the date for easy tracking—your goulash will stay delicious in the freezer for up to three months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat your goulash, simply warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat larger batches on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems a bit thick. Top with fresh cheese or herbs if you’re feeling fancy!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for Southern Goulash, other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini will work—it’s all about what you have on hand. Just be sure to use a shape that cooks in about the same time as macaroni, so everything stays perfectly tender.

Is Southern Goulash spicy?

Traditional Southern Goulash is more savory than spicy, but it’s easy to spice it up! Add some crushed red pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce if you like a little heat. Otherwise, keep it mild for a family-friendly meal.

Can I make Southern Goulash dairy-free?

Definitely. Just skip the optional cheddar cheese at the end for a dish that’s naturally dairy-free. The flavor is still rich thanks to the tomato base, vegetables, and beef, so you won’t miss a thing.

What’s the best way to add extra veggies?

Southern Goulash is wonderfully flexible—feel free to add corn, zucchini, carrots, or even some spinach towards the end of cooking. Just chop the veggies small so they blend in perfectly with the macaroni and sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a tasty and lighter substitute for beef in Southern Goulash. The other strong flavors—seasonings, tomato, Worcester sauce—keep the final dish robust and comforting no matter which protein you choose.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s humble, heartwarming, and sure to please just about anyone, it’s time to give Southern Goulash a spot in your rotation. Try it once and this classic recipe might just become a new family favorite—easy enough for a weeknight and cozy enough for special gatherings. Enjoy every bite!

Southern Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Southern Goulash is a classic American comfort food dish that combines ground beef, macaroni pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This one-pot meal is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, chopped

Other Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked macaroni, stir well, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Finish and Serve: If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and cover for a few minutes to melt. Serve hot.