Try This Southern Goulash Recipe for Cozy Comfort on a Plate

Let’s talk about this hearty southern goulash that brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

My grandmother first shared this recipe during chilly autumn evenings in georgia.

Warm, rich flavors mingle with tender pasta and ground beef, creating a delicious one-pot meal.

Memories of childhood dinners flood back with each savory bite.

Generations have passed down this simple yet satisfying dish through loving kitchen conversations.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to make everyone smile, this goulash promises to become your new favorite weeknight solution.

Dig into a bowl and experience pure southern comfort.

Southern Goulash Full of Hearty Goodness

• Southern goulash serves up pure home-style satisfaction with minimal effort.
• This one-pot wonder delivers hearty flavors that appeal to all ages, making dinner time stress-free and delicious.
• Ready in under 30 minutes with affordable ingredients, this recipe stretches your budget without compromising taste.
• Easily adapt spice levels and swap ingredients to suit picky eaters or dietary preferences, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal.

Southern Goulash Ingredient Essentials

• Ground Beef: Rich base protein that provides hearty flavor and substance for the goulash.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic Southern pasta shape that absorbs sauce and creates comforting texture.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Aromatic vegetables that add sweetness and depth to the dish's flavor profile.

• Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Provides tangy base and moisture for the goulash.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Southern-style spice blend creating bold and complex flavor layers.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness and melty texture to finish the dish.

How to Cook a Traditional Southern Goulash

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium-high flame. Toss in ground beef and break it down with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat turns golden brown and develops a delicious caramelized exterior. Carefully drain off any excess grease to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 2: Awaken the Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and release their aromatic essence. The vegetables will add a vibrant crunch and natural sweetness to the dish.

Step 3: Layer in the Spices

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute the bold flavors evenly throughout the goulash.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. Let the sauce simmer gently, allowing the flavors to dance and meld together for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir to ensure each pasta piece gets coated with the rich sauce. Cover and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Shower the top with shredded cheese, letting it melt into a creamy blanket. The cheese adds a luxurious final touch that makes this Southern classic irresistible.

Tips for Bold Flavor in Southern Goulash

• Choose Lean Ground Beef: Select 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to reduce excess fat without sacrificing flavor.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal heat tolerance; start with a pinch and increase gradually.
• Boost Veggie Nutrition: Add diced zucchini or carrots for extra nutrients and a subtle sweetness to the goulash.
• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Stir occasionally and check pasta tenderness to avoid mushy texture; aim for al dente consistency.
• Make Dairy-Free Option: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or skip cheese topping for a vegan-friendly version of the dish.

Best Way to Store Southern Goulash Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Warm goulash in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you label with the date to track freshness.

Sides to Match with Southern Goulash

• Bake a batch of golden, slightly sweet cornbread to complement the rich, hearty flavors of Southern Goulash. The bread's crumbly texture and subtle sweetness balance the savory meat and tomato sauce perfectly.
• Whip up a zesty coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to cut through the goulash's richness. The cool, crunchy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, meaty dish.
• Choose a medium-bodied red Zinfandel with bright fruit notes to match the goulash's robust flavors. The wine's slight spiciness enhances the dish's paprika and cayenne undertones.
• Serve an ice-cold glass of Southern sweet tea alongside the goulash. Its sugary, refreshing character complements the hearty meal and offers a classic Southern dining experience.

Recipe Spins for Southern Goulash

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced firm tofu for a meat-free version that maintains protein content and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute with quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a celiac-friendly meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the hearty goulash flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add green chilies, swap paprika for chipotle powder, and include cumin to transform the classic Southern goulash into a zesty Southwestern-inspired dish.

Southern Goulash Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern goulash brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rich ground beef with tender macaroni in a savory tomato sauce. Warm memories and classic flavors invite you to savor this timeless family favorite that feels like a loving embrace.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (lb) ground beef
• 1 pound (lb) ground turkey (alternative option)

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 (15 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water (alternative)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, diligently breaking apart the meat to guarantee uniform cooking. Eliminate any accumulated grease to prevent excessive oiliness.
2. Introduce chopped onions and bell peppers into the pot, sautéing until they transform into a translucent, aromatic medley that harmonizes with the browned meat.
3. Generously season the mixture with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, complemented by a whisper of cayenne to awaken the palate with a subtle Southern zest.
4. Stream tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring methodically to create a rich, cohesive sauce. Allow the concoction to gently simmer, enabling the flavors to intertwine and deepen.
5. Carefully fold in the elbow macaroni, ensuring each pasta piece becomes luxuriously coated in the savory sauce. Cover and let the goulash simmer, allowing the pasta to absorb the robust flavors and reach perfect tenderness.
6. For those seeking an indulgent finale, crown the goulash with a lavish sprinkle of shredded cheese, creating a molten, creamy layer that elevates the dish’s rustic charm.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter version of the dish.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option.
• Maximize flavor by using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more vibrant taste profile.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost the veggie content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg