Hearty, comforting, and endlessly satisfying, Southern Style Goulash is the kind of dinner that feels like a big warm hug. This dish is a cozy blend of ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and seasonings that simmer together into a flavorful, one-pot wonder. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, it brings everyone to the table with its familiar, old-fashioned charm.

Southern Goulash has deep roots in family kitchens where frugality met flavor. It’s the kind of meal grandma made when she wanted to feed a crowd with simple pantry staples. The rich tomato base, tender pasta, and savory beef meld into a soul-satisfying bite every time. And the best part? It only gets better the next day.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For that classic Southern goulash texture, elbow macaroni is the go-to choice. Its small, curved shape holds the sauce well and cooks evenly with the beef and tomato mixture. If you’re feeling creative, rotini or shells can add a twist, but nothing beats the nostalgic comfort of macaroni in this dish.

Ingredients for the Southern Style Goulash

Ground Beef – This is the heart of the dish. Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excess grease while still delivering bold, meaty flavor.
Elbow Macaroni – Essential for soaking up the sauce and giving each bite that signature chew.
Canned Diced Tomatoes – Provides acidity and depth. Choose fire-roasted for a smoky undertone.
Tomato Sauce – Builds the body of the goulash and binds all the ingredients together.
Onion and Garlic – These aromatics kick off the flavor base, adding a subtle sweetness and depth.
Paprika and Italian Seasoning – A blend of warmth and herby brightness that enhances every spoonful.
Salt and Pepper – Simple, but key for balance.
Optional: Bay Leaf or Worcestershire Sauce – For an extra layer of savory goodness.

How To Make the Southern Style Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Break it up as it cooks to avoid large chunks. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds a base of rich flavor.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using Worcestershire sauce or bay leaf, add them now. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Reduce the heat and let everything simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and deepen.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Remove the bay leaf (if used) from the sauce, then gently stir in the cooked pasta. Let it simmer together for a few more minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing Southern Style Goulash

Southern goulash is perfect served hot, straight from the pot into big bowls. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete, hearty meal. For a touch of creaminess, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream.

Leftovers store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats easily on the stovetop or in the microwave. This dish also freezes well—just leave the pasta slightly undercooked if you plan to freeze to avoid mushy texture upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

This dish is already very affordable, but you can stretch it even further by adding extra canned tomatoes or mixing in cooked lentils with the beef.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Southern goulash is a great make-ahead meal. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently. If you want a kick, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the tomato mixture.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini make great additions and blend right into the sauce.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Southern Style Goulash, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy dinner favorites from my kitchen:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with the traditional version or add a twist? Did you freeze a batch for later?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter!

Southern Style Goulash

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Southern Style Goulash is a hearty one-pot comfort food classic made with ground beef, macaroni, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers nostalgia and flavor in every bite.

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.

3. Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional bay leaf or Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.

4. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to develop flavor.

5. While sauce simmers, cook elbow macaroni in a separate pot until just al dente. Drain.

6. Remove bay leaf from sauce. Stir in the cooked macaroni. Let everything simmer together for 3–5 more minutes.

7. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley or shredded cheese if desired.