Grandma’s Down-Home Southern Goulash Recipe – Soul-Warming Comfort

Comfort food finds its perfect match in this hearty southern goulash that brings robust flavors to your dinner table.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic one-pot wonder.

Tender ground beef mingles with soft pasta and rich tomato sauce, creating a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet delicious dish that feeds hungry souls.

The combination of simple ingredients creates a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Each spoonful tells a story of tradition and love stirred into every bite.

Dive into this Southern classic and let its comforting embrace transport you to a world of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 6

Southern Goulash Ingredient Basics

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich base with deep meaty flavor; choose lean cut for less grease and better texture.
• Optional Ground Turkey: Lighter alternative with similar protein profile; great for health-conscious cooks.

• Onion, Bell Peppers: Builds foundational flavor profile with sweet, subtle crunch; select fresh, firm vegetables for maximum taste.

• Paprika: Adds signature Southern warmth and depth; Hungarian or Spanish varieties offer distinct flavor nuances.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers consistent, concentrated garlic essence without chopping; ensures even seasoning distribution.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate overall dish complexity.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant Southern spice kick; adjust quantity for personal heat preference.

• Tomato Sauce: Creates smooth, rich liquid base; look for high-quality, low-sodium varieties.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and bright acidity; choose fire-roasted for deeper flavor profile.

• Elbow Macaroni: Traditional pasta choice providing classic comfort food texture; whole wheat option available for nutritional boost.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness and luxurious finish; cheddar or blend recommended for maximum flavor impact.

Tools That Make Goulash a Breeze

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients, with enough space to stir and simmer comfortably.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions and bell peppers safely and efficiently.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable preparation and ingredient handling.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately add seasonings like paprika and salt.
• Can Opener: Required for opening tomato sauce and diced tomato cans.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if you're shredding cheese from a block for topping.

Cook a Southern Goulash at Home

• Fire Up the Meat

Brown ground beef in a large pot, breaking it into small pieces while cooking. Drain away any extra grease to keep the dish light and tasty.

• Bring in the Veggie Squad

Toss chopped onions and bell peppers into the pot, sauteing until they become soft and release their delicious aroma. These veggies will add incredible depth to your meal.

• Spice Things Up

Shake in your favorite seasonings – paprika, garlic powder, salt, and a touch of cayenne for a Southern-style heat that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Tomato Time

Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring everything together. Let the mixture simmer, allowing flavors to blend and create a rich, hearty base.

• Pasta Party

Drop in elbow macaroni, coating every noodle with the savory sauce. Cover and cook until pasta reaches perfect tenderness, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

• Cheese Crown

Optional but recommended: sprinkle shredded cheese on top, letting it melt into a gooey, delicious finish that takes this comfort dish over the top.

Spice Tweaks That Match Southern Flavors

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and add delightful creaminess.
• Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that maintains the hearty essence of the classic goulash.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to dial up or tone down the heat, making the dish adaptable for sensitive palates or spice enthusiasts.
• This goulash freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, allowing busy home cooks to prepare large batches and enjoy convenient, quick meals throughout the week.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty lentils to create a protein-packed vegetarian version that doesn't compromise on traditional Southern comfort food flavors.

Serve Southern Goulash with Down-Home Style

• Comfort Classic Companion: Serve this hearty Southern goulash with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add a fresh crunch to your meal.
• Bread Basket Buddy: Pair with warm, buttered cornbread or crusty garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the Southern comfort food experience.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a communal dining moment by placing the pot directly on the table with extra cheese and chopped fresh herbs like parsley for everyone to customize their serving.
• Leftover Makeover: Transform any remaining goulash into a delightful next-day lunch by stuffing it into a toasted submarine roll or using it as a savory topping for baked potatoes.

Store That Goulash Without Losing Flavor

• Transfer leftover Southern Goulash into airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal taste quality.
• Store the goulash in sealed containers for maximum 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when retrieving portions to prevent contamination and extend freshness.
• Pack cooled goulash in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meals stay delicious for up to 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Thaw frozen goulash overnight in refrigerator, then reheat in microwave or stovetop. Add splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir occasionally during reheating to distribute heat evenly and maintain consistent texture.

FAQs

• Is Southern Goulash the same as traditional Hungarian Goulash?

No, Southern Goulash is an Americanized version that uses ground beef, pasta, and tomato sauce, while traditional Hungarian Goulash is a beef stew with more complex spices and typically no pasta.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta like rice or corn pasta, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture. Avoid extremely lean meat as it can become dry during cooking.

• How spicy is this Southern Goulash?

The recipe has a mild heat with a dash of cayenne. You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.

Hearty Southern Goulash Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hungarian classic Southern Goulash brings hearty comfort to dinner tables with rich beef and paprika-infused flavors. Robust ingredients meld together, creating a soul-warming meal you’ll savor with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 15 oz (425 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 15 oz (425 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sizzle ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, methodically breaking down the meat until uniformly browned. Drain excess fat completely to ensure a lean, flavorful base.
2. Vegetable Incorporation: Introduce onions and bell peppers to the beef, sautéing until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence. Integrate spices including paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne to create a vibrant flavor profile.
3. Sauce Development: Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious, rich sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
4. Pasta Integration: Add elbow macaroni to the pot, coating each piece completely with the savory sauce. Cover and simmer until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, absorbing the robust seasonings and creating a cohesive one-pot meal.
5. Finishing Touch: Optional cheese garnish provides a creamy, indulgent layer that transforms the goulash into a decadent Southern comfort classic.

Notes

Choose Lean Meat: Select ground beef with lower fat content (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of the classic dish.

Control Spice Intensity: Adjust cayenne pepper according to personal heat tolerance, starting with a pinch and gradually increasing for those who enjoy bolder flavors.

Pasta Cooking Technique: Avoid overcooking macaroni by checking texture periodically; aim for al dente consistency to prevent mushy pasta that loses its delightful texture.

Cheese Melting Hack: Allow hot goulash to rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese, enabling it to melt smoothly and create a perfect creamy coating without becoming oily or separated.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg