Introduction
Southern goulash (sometimes called “American goulash”) is a simple, family-friendly dish featuring elbow macaroni, ground beef, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
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⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Optional: hot sauce or red pepper flakes for spice
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional; rotini or penne work too.
- Cheese: Adds creamy richness; can mix cheddar and mozzarella.
- Veggies: Bell peppers or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook Pasta
- Boil pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Cook Beef & Veggies
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; sauté until softened.
- Add Tomatoes & Seasonings
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Simmer 10 minutes to combine flavors.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce
- Stir in cooked pasta until fully coated with the sauce.
- Add shredded cheese, cover, and cook 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Serve
- Serve hot as a hearty main dish with bread or a salad.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
💡 Tips
- For creamier goulash, stir in ½ cup milk or cream at the end.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
🔄 Variations
Slow-Cooker Version: Layer cooked beef, pasta, and sauce in a slow cooker and cook on low 1–2 hours for hands-off cooking.
Spicy Southern Goulash: Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
Cheesy Baked Goulash: Transfer to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake 15 minutes at 375°F.
