Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe with Hearty Beef and Comforting Flavors

Name: Southern Old Fashioned Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 pounds (approximately 900 grams) of ground beef; – 1 pound (about 450 grams) of elbow macaroni; – 1 finely chopped yellow onion (red or white onion can be used as a substitute); – 3 cloves of minced garlic; – 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce; – Two 15-ounce (about 425 grams each) cans of tomato sauce; – Two 14.5-ounce (around 411 grams each) cans of petite diced tomatoes; – 1 1/2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning (a blend of dried basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano); – 2 teaspoons of salt; – 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper; – 1 cup (around 113 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese

By:

Gabriella Brotherton

Published:

January 10, 2026

[grow_share_buttons]

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Southern Old Fashioned Goulash

This Southern Old Fashioned Goulash is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and ready in no time, making it ideal for busy families looking for a comforting meal. The hearty beef goulash brings together simple ingredients that create rich, comforting goulash flavors everyone enjoys. Beyond its taste, it offers health benefits through nutritious components like protein-rich ground beef and vegetables, supporting a balanced diet without much effort.

One of the best features of this old fashioned goulash recipe with beef is its adaptability, allowing for easy tweaks to fit various dietary needs. You’ll find it versatile for family gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, as it serves a crowd and amplifies those shared moments around the table. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or potluck, this hearty dish brings people together with its warm and inviting essence, just like the recipes on our blog.

Health and Ease Benefits

The simplicity of this Southern style beef goulash recipe shines through in its minimal prep time and use of everyday pantry items, perfect for home cooks and busy parents alike. It provides essential nutrients that promote wellness, all while delivering the satisfying taste of a traditional favorite. This makes hearty old fashioned beef goulash a go-to choice for those seeking both comfort and nourishment in their meals.

Jump to:

Why You’ll Love This Southern Old Fashioned Goulash
Health and Ease Benefits
Essential Ingredients for Southern Old Fashioned Goulash
Special Dietary Options
How to Prepare the Perfect Southern Old Fashioned Goulash: Step-by-Step Guide
First Steps: Prep and Cooking Basics
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Southern Old Fashioned Goulash
Mastering Southern Old Fashioned Goulash: Advanced Tips and Variations
How to Store Southern Old Fashioned Goulash: Best Practices
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Old Fashioned Goulash
What ingredients do I need to make Southern Old Fashioned Goulash?
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni in Southern Old Fashioned Goulash?
How long does it take to prepare and cook Southern Old Fashioned Goulash?
Can I store and reheat leftover Southern Old Fashioned Goulash safely?
What are some good side dishes to serve with Southern Old Fashioned Goulash?
Southern Old Fashioned Goulash
Ingredients
Instructions
Last Step:
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

Essential Ingredients for Southern Old Fashioned Goulash

To make this Southern Old Fashioned Goulash, you’ll need a mix of basic yet flavorful ingredients that come together for a delicious meal. These items are easy to find and help create the comforting goulash flavors that make this dish so popular. For the best results, measure everything out ahead of time to streamline your cooking process.

2 pounds (approximately 900 grams) of ground beef
1 pound (about 450 grams) of elbow macaroni
1 finely chopped yellow onion (red or white onion can be used as a substitute)
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
Two 15-ounce (about 425 grams each) cans of tomato sauce
Two 14.5-ounce (around 411 grams each) cans of petite diced tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning (a blend of dried basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano)
2 teaspoons of salt
1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (around 113 grams) of shredded cheddar cheese

These ingredients form the base of your hearty beef goulash, ensuring a balanced mix of flavors and textures. Always use fresh options when possible to enhance the overall taste.

Special Dietary Options

Adapting this old fashioned goulash recipe with beef is straightforward for various preferences:

For a vegan version, swap ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute and use dairy-free cheese.
Opt for gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free without changing other ingredients.
Create a low-calorie option by selecting lean ground turkey instead of beef and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on fat.

How to Prepare the Perfect Southern Old Fashioned Goulash: Step-by-Step Guide

Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) for this Southern style beef goulash recipe, which ensures everything is ready for a smooth cooking process. This hearty old fashioned beef goulash comes together in about 45 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, making it perfect for busy nights. Follow these steps to achieve a flavorful, comforting dish that’s sure to become a staple.

First Steps: Prep and Cooking Basics

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 3 minutes less than the package instructions, then drain it well to keep the pasta from becoming mushy. In a hot skillet, brown the 2 pounds of ground beef with the finely chopped yellow onion for 6 to 7 minutes, and don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a cleaner flavor. Add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it’s fragrant, building a strong base for your goulash.

Next, stir in the 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, the two 15-ounce cans of tomato sauce, and the two 14.5-ounce cans of petite diced tomatoes, along with the 1 1/2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste for that perfect balance. Mix in the cooked macaroni and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, then transfer the mixture to an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese has melted beautifully. This step ensures the flavors meld together for a truly hearty beef goulash. If you’re looking for more beef-based recipes, check out our BBQ beef casserole for another family favorite.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Southern Old Fashioned Goulash

Customizing your Southern Old Fashioned Goulash is simple and fun, allowing you to adapt it for different tastes and dietary needs while keeping those comforting goulash flavors intact. For instance, swapping proteins can make this old fashioned goulash recipe with beef lighter or plant-based. These changes help it fit into your lifestyle without losing its hearty appeal.

Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, lentils, or a vegan meat alternative for a healthier twist.
Try using shallots or leeks instead of the yellow onion for a milder flavor profile.
Swap canned tomato sauce with fresh tomato puree to add a brighter, fresher taste to your hearty beef goulash.

Incorporate extras like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition and texture. These substitutions keep the core of the Southern style beef goulash recipe enjoyable for everyone, from diet-conscious individuals to families with varied preferences.

Mastering Southern Old Fashioned Goulash: Advanced Tips and Variations

To master this Southern Old Fashioned Goulash, focus on techniques like browning the meat thoroughly for deeper flavor and simmering slowly to blend the sauce perfectly, enhancing the overall comforting goulash flavors. Experiment with variations such as adding barbecue sauce for a tangy kick or smoked cheese for extra depth. These tips make your old fashioned goulash recipe with beef not only authentic but also adaptable to your kitchen style.

Tips	Benefits
Brown meat well	Creates richer taste and better texture
Add herbs freely	Personalizes flavor without extra effort

Presentation matters too; serve in colorful bowls with fresh herbs for a inviting look. You can even prepare it ahead and store for up to 48 hours, reheating gently. For similar dishes, explore our ground beef skillet recipe that offers more variation ideas.

How to Store Southern Old Fashioned Goulash: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Southern Old Fashioned Goulash fresh and tasty, with options for refrigeration or freezing to extend its shelf life. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later. Always reheat in the microwave at 80% power in 30-second intervals for even warming.

Portion into single servings for easy meal prep.
Thaw frozen goulash overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Stir while reheating to maintain the perfect texture of your hearty beef goulash.

Following these practices ensures your dish remains delicious and safe, making it a practical choice for busy lifestyles.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Old Fashioned Goulash

What ingredients do I need to make Southern Old Fashioned Goulash?

To make Southern Old Fashioned Goulash, you will need ground beef, elbow macaroni, canned tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, Italian seasoning or individual dried herbs like basil and oregano, salt, pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese. Some recipes also call for bell peppers or Worcestershire sauce to add extra flavor. These simple pantry staples come together to create a hearty, comforting dish.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni in Southern Old Fashioned Goulash?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional in Southern Old Fashioned Goulash, you can substitute other pasta shapes such as rotini, penne, or shells if preferred. Just keep in mind that smaller pasta shapes cook similarly and hold the sauce well. Adjust cooking times as needed since different pasta types may require more or less time to reach the right tenderness.

How long does it take to prepare and cook Southern Old Fashioned Goulash?

Preparing and cooking Southern Old Fashioned Goulash generally takes about 40 to 50 minutes. This includes approximately 10-15 minutes for chopping and sautéing onions and browning the ground beef, 20 minutes to simmer the sauce with the pasta, and a few minutes at the end to melt cheese and let the flavors combine. It’s a quick and satisfying meal for busy weeknights.

Can I store and reheat leftover Southern Old Fashioned Goulash safely?

Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the goulash moist.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Southern Old Fashioned Goulash?

Southern Old Fashioned Goulash pairs well with simple sides like buttered saltine crackers, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. Pickles or coleslaw can add a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich pasta dish. These sides complement the classic flavors and make the meal more filling and balanced.

Old Fashioned Goulash Recipe with Hearty Beef and Comforting Flavors