Southern Style Goulash is a comforting and hearty dish that blends flavorful ingredients for a satisfying meal. It combines pasta, beef, and a rich tomato sauce, making it a favorite among families. If you’re looking for a delicious recipe that warms the soul, this goulash is the perfect choice. You might also enjoy some sides like Southern Style Cheeseburger Pie to complement your meal.

Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try making Southern Style Goulash. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, which are often already in your pantry. This dish provides great value for any family meal and can be made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Additionally, if you love a good blend of comfort food flavors, you’re sure to enjoy this recipe. You may also find Best Texas Style Chili Recipe No Beans useful.
How to Make Southern Style Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Sauté Onion & Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Liquids & Seasoning: Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy finish, if using. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.
How to Serve Southern Style Goulash
Southern Style Goulash is best served hot. You can pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If you want a sweet treat afterwards, consider making Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies for dessert.
How to Store Southern Style Goulash
To store leftover goulash, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the goulash in portions. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to reheat.
Tips to Make Southern Style Goulash
- Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste; adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can spice it up a bit.
- If you like vegetables, consider adding bell peppers or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
- For an extra kick, top your serving with a dollop of sour cream or some sliced jalapeños.
Variation
You can easily switch things up by using different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli. Additionally, for a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
FAQs
1. Can I make Southern Style Goulash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
2. What can I serve with goulash?
Goulash pairs well with garlic bread, salad, or even a side of cornbread.
3. Is there a way to make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

Southern Style Goulash
Ingredients
For the Goulash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- to taste Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Cooking
- Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy finish, if using. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to thicken.
Serving
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.


