Southern Goulash Recipe
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
2 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Brown the Ground Meat:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). If there’s excess fat, drain it off.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the pan with the meat. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well to combine.
Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook the Pasta:
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet or Dutch oven, stirring it into the sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a little more broth or water.
Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce. If necessary, add more liquid during cooking.
Finish and Serve:
Once the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
If you like cheesy goulash, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.