Description
Southern Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring seasoned ground beef simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and tender elbow macaroni. This classic American casserole combines rich tomato flavors with savory spices, making it a perfect family dinner that’s easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 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
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, enhancing the base flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth to create the rich tomato sauce foundation for the goulash.
- Season the Mixture: Add Worcestershire sauce, sugar, paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, letting it melt for a creamy, cheesy finish to the dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Ensure the macaroni is fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly without sticking.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to reduce the overall salt content if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southern
