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Southern Old Fashioned Goulash

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This hearty Southern goulash is a one-pot classic made with ground beef, tomatoes, and tender elbow macaroni. A nostalgic comfort food perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

2 cups water

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Sauté Veggies:
Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for ~5 minutes, until onion is translucent.

Add Sauce:
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Cook the Pasta:
Add elbow macaroni and water to the skillet. Stir well. Cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Finish & Serve:
If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Let melt before serving.

Notes

Add Veggies: Stir in chopped bell peppers or zucchini with the onions.

Make it Lighter: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.

Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Ideas: Top with sour cream or chopped parsley for extra flavor.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.