Get ready to fall in love with a soul-warming southern goulash that brings together tender pasta, seasoned beef, and a magical blend of tomatoes, spices, and gooey melted cheese. This comforting one-pot meal is hearty, nostalgic, and as inviting as a big hug around the family table. With each bite, you get a taste of the South—simple ingredients combined in a way that’s both easy and irresistibly delicious. There’s a good reason why southern goulash has stood the test of time as a cherished weeknight go-to!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of southern goulash lies in just how simple, affordable, and accessible each ingredient is, yet each one is absolutely essential for achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture. From the savory foundation of ground chuck to the finishing touch of melty cheese, every addition serves a purpose.

Ground chuck (1 lb): Adds richness and hearty flavor as the base of your goulash—choose 80/20 for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
Onion, chopped (1 md): Lends sweet depth and a classic savory backbone to the entire dish.
Red or green bell pepper, chopped (1/3 cup): Offers color and a subtle bite, rounding out the veggie profile.
Elbow macaroni, uncooked (2 cups): The pasta soaks up flavor and holds the sauce perfectly, making every forkful satisfying.
Stewed tomatoes, 15 oz can: Chunks of sweet, simmered tomatoes bring both tang and texture.
Tomato sauce, 15 oz can: Provides a velvety, rich base for the sauce.
Water (4 cups): Essential for cooking the macaroni right in the pot, soaking up all that flavor.
Sugar (1 Tbsp): Just a touch to round out and balance the acidity from the tomatoes.
Italian seasoning (1 Tbsp): A blend of herbs brings aromatic complexity that lifts up the whole dish.
Worcestershire sauce (1 Tbsp): Deepens the savory edge and hints at classic Southern flavor.
Seasoning salt (1 tsp): Extra seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
Garlic salt (1 tsp): Adds garlicky warmth and straightforward seasoning.
Black pepper (1 tsp): For a little tickle of spice and depth.
Cajun seasoning, like Tony Chachere (1/2 tsp, optional): Kick things up a notch with a little Southern heat.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Savory, salty, and nutty—an absolute must for topping.
Dash of Tabasco: Just a splash for zesty flavor that brings the whole thing together.
Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): Melts over the top for a luscious, comforting finish.

How to Make southern goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Vegetables

Begin by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground chuck, then toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper. Stir everything together and brown the beef until it’s cooked through, breaking it up as you go. As the meat cooks, the veggies will soften and their flavors will meld right into your base—for many, this is the moment when memories of home cooking start floating through the kitchen! Be sure to drain off any excess fat before the next step, but leave a little bit for extra flavor.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, and Seasonings

Once your beef is browned and the veggies are soft, pour in the stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the sugar, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, seasoning salt, garlic salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning (if using). Give everything a good stir so those spices are evenly distributed. This is when your southern goulash starts to smell incredible—the spices, tomatoes, and beef cooking together create an aroma that’s unmistakable and so inviting.

Step 3: Add Macaroni and Water

Next, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and pour in the water. The beauty of this dish is you don’t need to boil the pasta separately—the noodles cook right in that flavorful liquid. Make sure everything is well combined and the macaroni is mostly submerged, so it cooks evenly and soaks up all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer

Turn the heat up and bring your skillet to a gentle boil. Once you see some bubbling action, reduce the heat to low and give everything a good stir. This helps to keep the pasta from sticking and ensures those flavors keep mingling across every bite. Keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally; if it begins sticking, add a splash more water.

Step 5: Cover and Simmer Until Perfect

Now you’ll want to cover the skillet and let everything simmer until the macaroni is tender and a lot of the water has been absorbed—this usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but check as you go. If it looks like it’s drying out before the noodles are done, add a little more water; if there’s too much liquid, just uncover and let it reduce for a few minutes. This step is all about achieving that lovely, chunky, not-too-soupy southern goulash texture.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked and the mixture looks thick and hearty, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheeses. Stir briefly to distribute the cheese a bit, then let it sit covered so everything gets nice and melty—or, for an extra treat, slide the pan under the broiler just until the top bubbles and browns. This cheesy finish is what sends your southern goulash over the top!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Give your pot a final dash of Tabasco to liven up the flavors, then serve it up hot and bubbling. If you like things even cheesier, garnish each bowl with another sprinkle of cheddar or Parmesan before setting it on the table.

How to Serve southern goulash

Garnishes

Classic southern goulash shines with just a bit of extra love on top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or green onion for color and a hint of freshness. Add another shower of Parmesan, a few cracks of black pepper, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to make each bowl uniquely yours.

Side Dishes

This one-pot wonder stands tall on its own, but it truly sings with a slice of crusty garlic bread to mop up all that saucy goodness. For a traditional Southern touch, try with collard greens, buttered corn, or a tangy cucumber and tomato salad for cooling contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting dinner? Serve southern goulash in rustic soup mugs with cheddar bubbling over the rims, or portion it into small Dutch ovens for an eye-catching, cozy presentation. Top each serving with a fried egg, a dollop of sour cream, or crispy fried onions for a playful twist that’s sure to start conversation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Southern goulash stores beautifully, making it a total lifesaver on busy weeknights. Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors get even better the next day, and the pasta soaks up more of that savory sauce—it’s comfort food on repeat!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze southern goulash! Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags (pressing out as much air as possible). Label and date, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ll have a ready-to-heat meal whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, or warm a larger batch on the stovetop over medium-low, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally as it heats so the cheese and sauce blend smoothly, and you’re ready to dig in all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is traditional for southern goulash, but other small shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well too. Just keep an eye on cooking time and adjust as needed so the pasta doesn’t get too soft.

What can I substitute for ground chuck?

You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter spin on southern goulash. Just make sure whatever you use is well-seasoned and cooked through before moving on to the next steps.

Is southern goulash spicy?

By default, southern goulash is more savory than spicy, but the little kick from Cajun seasoning and Tabasco adds just enough heat. If you prefer things mild, simply omit those, or add more if you love peppery Southern zest!

Do I need to pre-cook the macaroni?

No need! The uncooked pasta goes straight into the pot with the sauce and water, where it absorbs all the flavors as it cooks. That’s what makes southern goulash so easy and satisfying—all in one pot with minimal fuss.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Of course! Omit the cheeses, or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternatives. The dish will still have loads of flavor from the beef, tomatoes, and seasonings, but you can always top finished bowls with dairy-free shreds for that cheesy vibe.

Final Thoughts

Southern goulash is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to over and over when you want something easy, filling, and full of down-home comfort. There’s a reason it’s been beloved for generations—it truly brings people together. Invite your friends or family, scoop it up, and savor the flavors of the South. I promise, it’s one of those dishes you’ll look forward to making again and again!

southern goulash Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Southern goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish is a classic favorite that will satisfy your cravings for a delicious and filling dinner.

Instructions

Browning beef with onion and bell pepper. Brown ground beef along with the chopped onion and the chopped bell pepper.
Tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings added to the pan. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
Macaroni and water added to the skillet. Then add macaroni and water.
Goulash coming to a boil. Bring to a boil then turn to low. Stir well to be sure it isn’t sticking.
Skillet covered and goulash simmering. Cover and simmer until the macaroni is tender and most of the water is absorbed. If it seems too dry, add a little more water. If it’s too liquid, leave the top off for a little while and turn the heat up a little. The extra water will evaporate. Don’t overcook the pasta.
Sprinkling goulash with cheese. Before serving, sprinkle with the Parmesan and the cheddar cheeses.
Southern Goulash with cheese melted on top. If you used an ovenproof pan, you can run this in the oven to melt the cheese or just cover and let it melt on the stove. The cheese is something I added. My mother didn’t put cheese on hers. I just happen to like cheese!

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
This goulash tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American