Southern Style Goulash

I love Goulash. It is a simple meal that is easy to make and fills hungry bellies. This recipe is just one of a few variations that my parents often made when I was younger. I still make Goulash a lot because it is good, simple, quick, and on the table in about 30 minutes. You can serve this with a side salad for a complete meal or serve it with your side of choice.

Here is everything you will need for this recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. Ground beef
1 Onion – diced
2 Cloves of Garlic- minced
1 1/2 C. Water
1 (15 oz) Can Tomato sauce OR Crushed Tomatoes
1 (14 oz) Can Diced tomatoes
1 1/2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp. Italian herb blend
1 Tsp. Onion powder
1 Tsp. Garlic powder
1 Tsp. Paprika
1 Bay leaf
Salt and Pepper
1 C. Elbow macaroni pasta

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot over medium heat, add ground beef and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Break apart the beef with a spoon and cook until the beef is cooked through and the onion is tender. This should take about 5 to 8 minutes. If you need to drain the beef, you can do so and then add the beef and onions back to the pot.
2. Add the garlic and let it continue to cook for another minute or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the Italian herb blend, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Mix well and let cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the water, tomato sauce, and the diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a boil. Let this cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the elbow macaroni and stir. Bring back to a boil and let this cook another 15 to 20 minutes or until the noodles are tender. You can add 1/2 to 1 cup of water if needed to help the pasta cook a bit better.
5. Once the pasta is tender, remove the bay leaf, check for seasoning, and adjust to taste.
6. Remove from the heat and serve.

• I like to serve this with a side salad for some tasty veggies with a light dressing or vinegarette. You can pair your favorite sides with this to fit your family.
• You can swap out the beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground pork. I love using ground beef because beef has more protein than chicken, turkey, or pork. However, it works well with either one.