Southern Goulash
A hearty one-pot meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Broth
- 1 pound ground beef Lean ground beef is recommended.
- 2 cups beef broth
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
Pasta and Seasoning
- 2 cups elbow macaroni Can substitute with other pasta types.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredient
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For a creamy texture.
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
Adding Vegetables
- Once the beef is browned, toss in the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper. Sauté these for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
Incorporating Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
Adding Tomato Base
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Season it with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil.
Cooking the Pasta
- Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
Adding Cheese (Optional)
- If you want a creamy texture, stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
Notes
Store leftover Southern Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw before reheating.