Description

This Southern Goulash recipe is the perfect solution for busy families looking for a quick, comforting meal. Combining savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and tender pasta, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups Shellbow macaroni (or elbow macaroni)
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 medium onions (diced)
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce, about 3 to 3½ cups total
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 ¾ cups beef broth
½ cup additional beef broth (replacement for depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
2 bay leaves
salt and black pepper (to taste)
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

Step: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step: Add the diced onions to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, the additional beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and bay leaves. Add the primary beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step: Stir in the shellbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Add a splash of broth if it starts to look too dry.
Step: Remove the bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Step: If using, top with the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the goulash thickens too much.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 497 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 615 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 113 mg

Keywords: Southern Goulash, ground beef, comfort food, one pot, pasta