Name: Southern Style Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)

When I think of ultimate comfort food, Southern Style Goulash is always at the top of my list. This hearty dish combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce that’s slow-simmered to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, ready for seconds, maybe even thirds. I grew up with this dish on chilly evenings, and every spoonful still feels like a warm hug from home.

What I love most about Southern Style Goulash is how incredibly satisfying it is without being complicated. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking techniques—just a bit of time, a large pot, and a hearty appetite. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it up for a family gathering, this recipe never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Goulash

Southern Style Goulash is the perfect one-pot wonder. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and loaded with flavor. The pasta soaks up the savory beef and tomato sauce, creating a texture and taste that’s downright addictive. You can make a big batch and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, which means you can always have a comforting meal ready to go.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best in Southern Goulash?

Traditionally, elbow macaroni is the pasta of choice for Southern Goulash. Its small, curved shape is ideal for holding onto the rich meat sauce, making each bite a flavorful one. However, other short pastas like ditalini or small shells work well too. The key is to choose a pasta that holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy as it simmers in the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

You can customize this dish to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a leaner option. Want to make it vegetarian? Use plant-based ground meat or lentils and swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. For a spicier kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. And if you’re dairy-free, simply skip the optional cheese topping or use a dairy-free alternative.

Ingredients for this Southern Style Goulash

Ground Beef – The heart of the dish, ground beef brings rich flavor and protein. Choose 80/20 for a balance of taste and fat.
Elbow Macaroni – These classic small noodles soak up the sauce perfectly, making every bite delicious.
Yellow Onion – Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic boosts flavor and pairs beautifully with the beef and tomatoes.
Canned Diced Tomatoes – They create the chunky, robust body of the sauce.
Tomato Sauce – Smooth and rich, it ties the ingredients together into a cohesive, savory blend.
Beef Broth – Enhances the meaty flavor and helps simmer the sauce into a stew-like consistency.
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds an umami punch and rounds out the tomato-based sauce.
Paprika – Lends a subtle smoky warmth to the dish.
Italian Seasoning – A mix of herbs that adds complexity without overpowering.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
Chopped Parsley (optional) – For garnish and a touch of color.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the beef and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately

In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the simmered sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes so the noodles absorb the flavor.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. You can also top with shredded cheese for an extra indulgent touch.

How Long to Prepare the Southern Style Goulash

Preparing this dish doesn’t take long, making it a go-to for busy nights. From chopping onions to plating the final dish, the total time is around 45 minutes.

Prep Time: You’ll need about 10–15 minutes to chop the onion and garlic, measure out the spices, and gather ingredients. While the pasta water heats up, you can get the sauce started.

Cook Time: The ground beef and onions brown quickly—about 10 minutes. Then, the sauce simmers for 20–25 minutes, during which you can cook the pasta separately. Everything comes together in the final 5 minutes of blending pasta with sauce.

Tips for Perfect Southern Style Goulash

Use freshly minced garlic instead of jarred for a bolder flavor.
Brown the beef thoroughly to develop a deep, savory base.
Let the sauce simmer long enough to meld the flavors—don’t rush it.
Add the pasta only at the end to keep it from getting soggy.
Stir in shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) for extra creaminess.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the pasta – It will continue to cook once added to the sauce, so al dente is key.
Not draining the beef – Excess grease can make the dish oily.
Skipping the simmering step – This is essential for flavor development.
Adding too much salt early – Wait until the end to adjust seasoning.
Forgetting to stir – The sauce can stick to the bottom of the pot if left unattended.

What to Serve With Southern Style Goulash?

1. Cornbread

Its crumbly texture and slight sweetness complement the savory goulash perfectly.

2. Green Beans

Lightly steamed or sautéed green beans add freshness and color to your plate.

3. Garlic Bread

To soak up all that delicious sauce, nothing beats a slice of buttery garlic bread.

4. Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

5. Pickled Vegetables

Something tangy and acidic like pickled okra or cucumbers cuts through the heaviness.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the goulash cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta to avoid sogginess. Combine and heat when ready to serve.

Estimated Nutrition

Calories: ~410 per serving
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use ground turkey or lean ground beef, whole-wheat pasta, and reduce the amount of cheese or skip it entirely.

Can I cook the pasta in the sauce instead?

Yes, but it may require additional broth or water and careful attention so the pasta doesn’t overcook or absorb too much liquid.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, it’s mildly seasoned. To add heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but you’ll need to peel and chop them. Canned tomatoes are more convenient and consistent in flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

Conclusion

Southern Style Goulash is the ultimate weeknight comfort food—easy, filling, and packed with nostalgic flavor. It’s a dish that brings people together, made with simple ingredients you likely already have. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this goulash delivers every time with bold, savory goodness in each bite.