Here’s a comforting, classic Southern Old-Fashioned Goulash recipe—simple, hearty, and full of rich, savory flavor. It’s the kind of one-pot meal that warms the whole family.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
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1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
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2 cups water or beef broth
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
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In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
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Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté Vegetables
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Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the beef.
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Cook 3–5 minutes until softened.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
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Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, paprika, and oregano.
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Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Pasta
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Add uncooked elbow macaroni and water or broth.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
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Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
5. Add Cheese (Optional)
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Stir in cheddar cheese or sprinkle on top before serving.
6. Serve
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Serve hot with a side of bread or cornbread for a true Southern feel.
Tips
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For extra flavor, add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce to the sauce.
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You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
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Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can be reheated easily.
If you want, I can also give a “slow-cooker Southern goulash” version where everything simmers together for deeper flavor and hands-off cooking.