Southern Style Goulash

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 350
• Protein: 22 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 5 grams
• Sodium: 680 mg

Why Make This Southern Style Goulash

Southern Style Goulash is a hearty one-pot dish that brings comfort and warmth to the dinner table. This recipe combines tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni in a rich tomato-based sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to utilize pantry staples, making it not only delicious but also economical. The blend of Italian seasoning and Worcestershire sauce gives it a depth of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!

How to Make Southern Style Goulash

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up with your spatula while it cooks. After the beef is fully cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sautéing the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them together with the beef until the vegetables are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell wonderful at this stage!

Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined for the best flavor.

Step 4: Cooking

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the macaroni is cooked through and the mixture has thickened. The sauce should be rich and enveloping, coating each piece of pasta.

Step 5: Finishing

Serve the goulash hot, garnished with shredded cheese on top if you wish. The gooey melted cheese adds a delightful touch!

How to Serve Southern Style Goulash

Southern Style Goulash is best served hot and fresh from the pot. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. It also makes for a fantastic comfort food option at family gatherings or potlucks.

How to Store Southern Style Goulash

If you have leftovers, allow the goulash to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and it should last up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Southern Style Goulash

• For added flavor, you can sauté some Italian sausage along with the ground beef.
• Feel free to mix in other vegetables like carrots or corn for extra nutrition and taste.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking—add some chili powder for a kick or sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Using whole grain elbow macaroni can enhance the fiber content of the dish and provide a nuttier flavor.

Delicious Variations

• Cheesy Mexican Goulash: Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and mix in black beans and corn. Top with cheddar cheese.
• Vegetarian Goulash: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a veggie crumbles product, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Goulash: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture for an extra kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use other types of pasta?
  Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini in place of elbow macaroni.

• What can I use instead of beef broth?
  Chicken broth or vegetable broth works well as a substitute to keep the dish flavorful.

• Can I make this in advance?
  Absolutely! Southern Style Goulash can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?
  Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the beef broth and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
  Yes, it holds up well for meal prep. Portion it out in containers for quick lunches throughout the week!

Conclusion

Southern Style Goulash is a delightful, comforting dish that everyone will love. Its simplicity and hearty flavors make it a must-try recipe whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends. With easy preparation and wholesome ingredients, you’ll find yourself wanting to make this goulash time and time again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the rewarding experience of making this delicious meal!