Name: Southern Style Goulash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Southern Style Goulash is pure comfort food in a bowl. This one-pot wonder blends tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, savory tomato sauce into a dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of hearty, nostalgic meal that brings back memories of family dinners and Sunday suppers.

In the South, goulash isn’t about paprika-heavy Hungarian spices. Instead, it’s all about soul-soothing flavors, easy prep, and stretching simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. It’s affordable, filling, and just the kind of recipe you want to turn to when you need dinner to be delicious and easy.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Goulash

This goulash recipe is a weeknight lifesaver. It comes together quickly, cooks in one pot (yes, even the pasta!), and feeds a hungry crowd with minimal effort. The flavors are classic and comforting—savory beef, garlic, onion, and tomatoes all simmered together until the noodles soak up every bit of goodness. It reheats like a dream, making leftovers something to look forward to.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best in Goulash?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for Southern-style goulash, and for good reason. It holds up well to simmering, absorbs the sauce beautifully, and brings just the right texture to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, small shells or rotini can substitute, but nothing beats that classic elbow shape when it comes to nostalgic comfort food.

Ingredients for the Southern Style Goulash

Southern goulash uses basic pantry staples, and that’s part of the beauty. Everything plays a role in building flavor and heartiness.

Ground beef gives the dish its meaty richness and protein-packed base.

Onion adds depth and sweetness as it cooks down with the beef.

Garlic brings warmth and aroma that lifts the tomato sauce.

Tomato sauce forms the main body of the rich, savory broth.

Diced tomatoes offer texture and a burst of acidity that balances the meat.

Elbow macaroni is the perfect pasta for soaking up every drop of sauce.

Beef broth intensifies the flavor and helps cook the pasta in the same pot.

Worcestershire sauce adds an umami kick that sets this version apart.

Salt and pepper are the only seasoning you really need for balance.

How To Make the Southern Style Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic

Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine everything and let it come to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right In

Add the elbow macaroni directly into the pot. Stir well, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Give the goulash a taste and season with additional salt or pepper if needed. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle in.

How to Serve and Store Southern Style Goulash

This hearty recipe yields enough to feed 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for family meals or leftovers. Serve it hot straight from the pot with a sprinkle of shredded cheese if you’re feeling extra indulgent. A slice of cornbread or a piece of crusty garlic bread makes a perfect pairing.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully—just cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Southern Style Goulash?

Skillet Cornbread

Slightly sweet and crunchy on the edges, it soaks up every bit of saucy goodness.

Southern Coleslaw

The crisp tang offers a fresh contrast to the warm, savory pasta.

Garlic Green Beans

A quick stovetop side that brings in bright flavor and crunch.

Deviled Eggs

Creamy, Southern-style deviled eggs make a fun and flavorful addition.

Classic Cucumber Salad

Cool, crisp, and lightly vinegary—it balances the rich meat sauce beautifully.

Sweet Tea

No Southern dinner is complete without a cold glass of sweet tea.

Fried Okra

Crispy little bites that add Southern charm to every plate.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Soft, buttery biscuits are just right for scooping up leftovers.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If this Southern Style Goulash hits the spot, you’ll probably fall for these other cozy meals:

Creamy Cajun Linguine for a spicy, creamy pasta fix.
Cheesy Baked Ziti layered with gooey cheese and rich sauce.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for bold flavor in a single skillet.
Loaded Cheddar Ranch Beef and Sweet Corn Rotini Bake that blends creamy, cheesy comfort with a Southern twist.
Delicious Texas Style Chili for a bowl of deep, smoky heat.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up anytime you need something hearty and quick.

Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you add green peppers or top it with cheese? Maybe a dash of hot sauce?

I love hearing how y’all make these meals your own. Share your spin or ask a question below—let’s get cooking together.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and dinner ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and fill your week with flavor and ease.

Conclusion

Southern Style Goulash is the kind of recipe that reminds you why simple food is sometimes the best food. With a few humble ingredients and one big pot, you can serve up warmth, tradition, and second helpings with ease. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning to an old family favorite, this dish never fails to bring people together.