Making Southern Old-Fashioned Goulash is easy, and it doesn’t take much time to bring it all together. Here’s how you can make this comforting dish:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. If you’re using ground turkey, be sure to drain any excess fat once it’s cooked. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper (if using), and garlic to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Tomato Products
Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. The tomato paste will thicken the sauce, while the diced tomatoes add a bit of texture. Mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. The tomato products give the goulash a rich, tangy flavor that makes this dish so comforting.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
Next, add the dried basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. These spices are what give the goulash its warm, savory flavor. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. You want the pasta to be firm so that it holds up in the sauce and doesn’t become mushy.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Once the sauce has simmered for about 10 minutes, add the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the tomato sauce and the beef mixture is evenly distributed. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little extra beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Step 6: Add the Cheese (Optional)
If you want to take this goulash to the next level, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish. The cheese adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the hearty beef and pasta.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese has melted (if using), remove the goulash from the heat and serve it hot. You can garnish with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of paprika for an added pop of color and flavor. This dish is perfect on its own or served with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Serving and Storage
Southern Old-Fashioned Goulash is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here’s how to serve and store your goulash:
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side of Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory goulash sauce.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a nice balance to the richness of the goulash.
- As Leftovers: Goulash makes amazing leftovers! It’s even better the next day once the flavors have had time to develop.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Allow the goulash to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Goulash freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping or making in advance. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips for Perfect Southern Goulash
To ensure your Southern Old-Fashioned Goulash turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use Quality Ground Beef: While you can use ground turkey for a lighter version, ground beef gives this dish its rich, savory flavor. Opt for lean beef to avoid excess grease.
- Customize the Veggies: While bell peppers and onions are classic additions, feel free to add other veggies like carrots, peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as thyme or rosemary, to suit your taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta
