Southern old-fashioned goulash is the kind of meal that doesn’t announce itself, yet somehow becomes the one everyone remembers. It isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t rely on trendy ingredients. Instead, it leans on patience, heat, and a few familiar pantry staples that come together into something far greater than the sum of its parts.
At its heart, goulash is comfort food in its purest form. Ground beef simmered in a tomato-based sauce, elbow macaroni cooked right in the pot, and simple seasonings that let the ingredients do the talking. It’s the kind of dinner that shows up on cold nights, busy evenings, and anytime you need something reliable.
What makes Southern goulash different from other versions is the texture and timing. Everything cooks together, which allows the pasta to absorb the sauce instead of sitting in it. That’s where the magic happens. The macaroni swells just enough to thicken the sauce naturally, creating a rich, hearty consistency without the need for extra thickeners.
The real secret is browning the beef properly before anything else goes in. Letting it cook until it develops deep color builds flavor at the base of the dish. Once the onion and garlic soften in those same drippings, the tomatoes and seasonings have something solid to cling to. Rushing this step leads to flat flavor. Giving it time rewards you later.
Another overlooked trick is holding back a small portion of the water until the pasta is added. This gives you control over the final texture. Some like their goulash thick and scoopable, others a little more saucy. Adding liquid gradually lets you land exactly where you want.
Goulash is forgiving. It reheats beautifully, tastes even better the next day, and stretches easily to feed a crowd. A handful of shredded cheddar on top is optional, but rarely skipped. It melts into the bowl and adds just enough richness without overpowering the dish.
This isn’t a meal meant to impress guests with presentation. It’s meant to fill plates, quiet the table, and leave everyone satisfied. Southern old-fashioned goulash doesn’t need reinvention. It’s already doing exactly what it was meant to do.
Southern Old-Fashioned Goulash Recipe
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes430
kcal40
minutesOld-fashioned goulash is a southern classic comfort food made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato sauce, all cooked together in one pot. This easy Southern-style goulash is hearty, filling, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
1 lb 1 ground beef
1 1 large onion, chopped
2 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can 1 tomato sauce (15 oz)
1 can 1 diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz)
1 tbsp 1 Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp 1 Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 2 elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 cups 2 water
1 cup 1 shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Directions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in macaroni and water, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Old-Fashioned Goulash thickens as it rests. For a thicker texture, simmer uncovered for the last few minutes. Leftovers taste even better the next day.
