🍲 Southern Goulash

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❓ Why Is It Called Goulash?

The word goulash comes from Hungarian gulyás, which is a hearty stew made with beef, paprika, and veggies. But in America (especially the South and Midwest), the term evolved into something quite different.

Southern/American Goulash is:

• A one-pot pasta dish (not a stew)
• Made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni
• Seasoned simply and often topped with cheese

👉 It’s called “goulash” because of its comfort food, mix-it-all-together vibe — similar to the way Hungarian goulash is rustic and filling.

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🍲 How Do You Make Southern Goulash?

Quick Overview:

1. Brown ground beef and onions.
2. Add garlic, seasonings, and tomato sauce/diced tomatoes.
3. Pour in broth or water and add uncooked elbow macaroni.
4. Cover and simmer until pasta is tender.
5. Optional: Top with shredded cheese and let it melt.

🕒 Ready in about 40 minutes
🥄 All in one pot — no draining pasta separately!

[Full recipe above if you need a print-ready version!]

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🍽️ What Do You Serve With Goulash?

Since Southern goulash is already a complete meal, sides can be simple and comforting:

Great Pairings:

• Cornbread or biscuit bread
• Garlic bread or cheesy toast
• Green beans, collard greens, or a light garden salad
• Deviled eggs (yes, it’s a Southern thing!)
• Pickles or cucumber salad for a crisp contrast

🍽️ Cuisine: Southern-American

🥘 Dish Type: Main / One-Pot Meal

🌶️ Flavor Profile: Savory, rich, garlicky, tomato-based

🍴 Servings: 6–8

⏱️ Total Time: ~40 minutes (10 min prep, 30 min cook)

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📝 Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded cheddar or mozzarella for topping

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🔥 Directions:

1. Brown the Beef
   In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Garlic & Seasonings
   Stir in garlic, paprika, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Liquids & Pasta
   Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in Macaroni
   Add uncooked pasta. Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
5. Top & Serve
   Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired. Let sit 5 minutes before serving to thicken.

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✅ Tips & Variations:

• Use ground turkey or sausage for a twist.
• Stir in bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra veggies.
• Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
• Tastes even better the next day — perfect for leftovers!

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