Southern Old Fashioned Goulash

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with their juices.
2. Add 1 cup of water or beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder.
3. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Tip: Letting the sauce simmer for at least 10–15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Alternative: For a one-pot version, you can add the pasta directly to the simmering sauce with an extra ½ cup of water, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper is all it needs.
3. Let the goulash simmer together for 5–10 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

1. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the goulash.
2. Cover the pan and allow the cheese to melt, about 2–3 minutes.

Optional: For extra flavor, add a handful of grated Parmesan or a few dashes of hot sauce before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Spoon the goulash onto plates or into bowls.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
• Serve warm with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete Southern-inspired meal.

Tips for the Best Southern Goulash

• Use quality beef: Fatty beef gives better flavor; lean beef can be a little dry.
• Customize your vegetables: Some families like adding mushrooms, carrots, or even a dash of celery.
• Make it ahead: Goulash tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded overnight.
• Freeze for later: This dish freezes well, making it ideal for meal prep.

Southern Old Fashioned Goulash is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder of cozy kitchens, family gatherings, and the kind of food that sticks to your ribs. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability—you can tweak it to your taste while still keeping that classic Southern heartiness intact.

If you want, I can also create a quick 30-minute shortcut version that keeps all the flavor but speeds up the cooking, perfect for busy weeknights.

Do you want me to do that?