Description
This Southern Goulash recipe is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef simmered with tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and spices, combined with tender elbow macaroni. It’s a classic American dish known for its rich flavors and easy preparation, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant, enhancing the base flavor of the dish.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth thoroughly to combine all the tomato flavors and liquid.
- Season the Mixture: Add Worcestershire sauce, sugar, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so that the herbs and spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook the Pasta In Sauce: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Serve: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the goulash. Let it melt slightly before serving for a creamy finish.
Notes
- For a lower fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
- Stir occasionally when cooking pasta to prevent sticking to the pot.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the pasta.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
