Hearty & Delicious: Southern Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Southern old-fashioned goulash is a timeless dish, a testament to simple ingredients transformed into a deeply satisfying meal. It’s not about fancy presentation or exotic flavors; it’s about comfort, warmth, and the feeling of home. This recipe embodies the essence of Southern cooking: uncomplicated, flavorful, and made with love.

At its core, goulash is the ultimate comfort food. Imagine tender ground beef simmering in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce, perfectly complemented by elbow macaroni cooked right in the same pot. The seasonings are straightforward, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. This is the kind of meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or any time you crave a reliable and delicious dish.

What sets Southern goulash apart from other variations is its unique texture and the cooking method. Everything melds together in one pot, enabling the pasta to absorb the flavorful sauce instead of merely sitting in it. This is where the magic truly happens. As the macaroni cooks, it plumps up, naturally thickening the sauce and creating a luxuriously hearty consistency. There’s no need for extra thickeners or complicated techniques – just simple ingredients and patient simmering.

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The real key to unlocking maximum flavor in this goulash is browning the ground beef properly before adding any other ingredients. Letting it cook undisturbed until it develops a deep, rich color creates a solid foundation of flavor for the entire dish. Once the onions and garlic are softened in those same flavorful drippings, the tomatoes and seasonings have a robust base to cling to. Rushing this crucial step will result in a flat, underwhelming flavor. Taking the time to brown the beef properly is an investment that will pay off handsomely in the final result.

Another often-overlooked tip is to reserve a small amount of the water until after the pasta has been added. This allows you to carefully control the final texture of your goulash. Some people prefer their goulash thick and easily scoopable, while others like it a little more saucy. By adding the remaining liquid gradually, you can achieve your ideal consistency with precision. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the amount of water to suit your personal preferences.

One of the best things about goulash is its forgiving nature. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. In fact, many people believe that goulash tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld and deepen. It’s also an incredibly economical dish that can easily be stretched to feed a large crowd, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks. A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top is entirely optional, but it’s a highly recommended addition. The cheese melts into the warm goulash, adding a delightful richness and creamy texture that elevates the dish to another level.

This Southern old-fashioned goulash isn’t a meal designed to impress guests with elaborate presentation. It’s a meal that’s meant to fill plates, quiet the table with contented sighs, and leave everyone feeling completely satisfied. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most rewarding. Southern old-fashioned goulash doesn’t need any reinvention or modern twists. It’s already perfect, doing exactly what it was meant to do: providing comfort, nourishment, and a taste of home.

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Southern Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe

Recipe by Cookfosters Kitchen

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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Difficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

430

kcal

Total time

40

minutes

Old-fashioned goulash is a southern classic comfort food made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked together in one pot. This easy Southern-style goulash is hearty, filling, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1
  lb
  1
  ground beef

• 1
  1
  large onion, chopped

• 2
  2
  cloves garlic, minced

• 1
  can
  1
  tomato sauce (15 oz)

• 1
  can
  1
  diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz)

• 1
  tbsp
  1
  Worcestershire sauce

• 1
  tsp
  1
  Italian seasoning

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 2
  2
  elbow macaroni, uncooked

• 2
  cups
  2
  water

• 1
  cup
  1
  shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

• Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
• Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in macaroni and water, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
• Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired and serve hot.

Notes

• Old-Fashioned Goulash thickens as it rests. For a thicker texture, simmer uncovered for the last few minutes. Leftovers taste even better the next day.