Southern Goulash – Budget-Friendly Dinner

Southern Goulash is a hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family. This down-home version is a true classic that’s flavorful, filling, and easy on the wallet.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients Overview

• Ground Beef: The base of the dish, providing protein and flavor.
• Macaroni: Adds bulk and texture; any small pasta shape works.
• Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Create the rich, tangy base for the goulash.
• Seasonings: Garlic, onion, paprika, and Italian seasoning bring depth to the dish.
• Cheese (Optional): Shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

• Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon.
• Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Add Aromatics

• Stir in 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant and the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Build the Base

• Add:
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (undrained)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Stir well to combine.

4. Simmer

• Add 2 cups of water or beef broth and bring to a simmer.

5. Cook the Pasta

• Stir in 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and let cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.

6. Finish and Serve

• If desired, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top and stir until melted.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Stretch It Further: Add canned vegetables like corn or green beans for extra volume.
• Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Custom Pasta: Swap elbow macaroni for other small shapes like shells or rotini.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad complements the richness of the goulash.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans pair well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter alternative.

Can I freeze Southern Goulash?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How do I adjust the consistency?
If the dish is too thick, stir in a little water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered until it thickens.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess grease.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
4. Add water or broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in macaroni; cover and cook until pasta is tender.
6. Optional: Add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Serve hot.

This Southern Goulash is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and affordability, making it a staple for busy weeknights or family dinners!

Southern Goulash

a hearty, comforting, and budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Made with simple pantry staples like ground beef, macaroni, and tomato sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder that comes together quickly and satisfies the whole family. This down-home version is a true classic that’s flavorful, filling, and easy on the wallet.

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Equipment

• Kitchen Equipment Needed:
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• pound ground beef
• 1 onion diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 can 15 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 2 cups water or beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese optional

Instructions

 

• Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess grease.
• Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
• Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
• Add water or broth and bring to a simmer.
• Stir in macaroni; cover and cook until pasta is tender.
• Optional: Add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Serve hot.
• This Southern Goulash is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and affordability, making it a staple for busy weeknights or family dinners!