Southern Old Fashioned Goulash

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then add the beef broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix everything thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and allow it to cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the sauce. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover and let it simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the tomato sauce and create a creamy consistency as it cooks.

Check the pasta for doneness toward the end—Southern goulash is best with tender but not mushy noodles.

Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)

For a richer, more indulgent goulash, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt into the sauce. This adds a creamy, gooey texture that makes the dish irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the goulash for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with cornbread, garlic bread, or a simple side salad for a complete Southern meal.

Tips for the Perfect Southern Goulash

1. Customize the vegetables: Some families like to add chopped celery, mushrooms, or carrots for extra flavor.
2. Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go—Southern goulash can handle bold flavors.
3. Make it ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
4. Use leftover pasta: If you have leftover macaroni, you can use it but reduce the simmering time slightly.

Southern Old Fashioned Goulash is more than just a meal—it’s a memory on a plate. Its rich tomato sauce, hearty meat, and tender pasta create a comforting harmony that’s simple yet profoundly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most treasured.

If you want, I can also create a shortcut version for quick cooking in under 30 minutes without losing the authentic Southern flavor. Do you want me to do that?