Description
A hearty and comforting Southern Goulash recipe featuring ground beef simmered in a rich tomato sauce with elbow macaroni. This one-pot meal combines savory spices and a blend of tomato products for a classic, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant, building a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Tomato Ingredients and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. These create the rich, savory tomato base for the goulash.
- Season the Sauce: Add Worcestershire sauce, sugar, paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add Cheese and Serve: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the goulash before serving and let it melt into the hot pasta mixture for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to stir occasionally when cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adding more beef broth or water can adjust the sauciness of the dish.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
- This recipe reheats well and tastes great as leftovers.
