American Style Goulash
American Style Goulash is a easy Southern United States recipe that serves 6. 630 calories per serving. Recipe by ThePohto Southern Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $16.20 total, $2.70 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Ground Beef (80% lean)
- to taste tsp Cracked Black Pepper (Freshly cracked)
- to taste tsp Salt (Kosher or table salt)
- 1 whole Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
- 0.5 large White Onion (Diced)
- 1 whole Jalapeño (Seeded and diced)
- 1 tsp Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 0.5 tbsp Onion Powder
- 0.5 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 15‑oz cans Tomato Sauce
- 2 14.5‑oz cans Diced Tomatoes (With basil, garlic, oregano)
- 2 cups Beef Broth (Low‑sodium)
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni (Uncooked)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (For topping)
Instructions
Brown the ground beef
Heat the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat, add the ground beef, season with salt and cracked black pepper, and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is almost browned, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Drain excess grease
Carefully tilt the pot or pour the liquid into a colander to remove most of the rendered fat.
Time: PT2M
Add vegetables and sauté
Add the diced green bell pepper, half of a white onion, the diced jalapeño, and the minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Season the mixture
Stir in smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch more cracked black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to toast the spices.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add sauces and broth
Mix in Worcestershire sauce, the two cans of tomato sauce, the two cans of diced tomatoes, and the beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Simmer the sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: low
Add elbow macaroni
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, replace the lid, and continue to simmer on low for another 25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: low
Finish with cheese and serve
Remove the lid, stir in the grated Parmesan, then sprinkle the shredded Cheddar on top. Let the cheese melt for 2‑3 minutes before serving with buttered French bread or cornbread.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: low
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 630
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 60g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken, Plant‑based ground meat
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper, Yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Jalapeño: Serrano pepper, Green chili
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Beef Broth: Chicken broth, Water with bouillon
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Any short pasta
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack
Equipment Needed
- 6‑qt Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Can Opener
- Ladle
- Colander
- Cheese Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef for deep flavor
- Draining excess grease to avoid a greasy dish
- Simmering the sauce long enough for flavors to meld
- Cooking the elbow macaroni until tender but not mushy
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky depth, use a smoked salt instead of regular salt.
- Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Top with fresh chopped parsley for color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Troubleshooting
The pasta is too soft or mushy.
Reduce the final simmer time by 5‑10 minutes or use al dente pasta and add it later in the cooking process.
The sauce is too watery.
Uncover the pot for the last 10 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
The dish tastes bland.
Taste after the first simmer and add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of extra Italian seasoning. A splash of Worcestershire sauce can also boost umami.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; reheat before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice the bell pepper, onion, and jalapeño a day ahead and keep refrigerated.
- The goulash can be fully prepared the day before; reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
- If freezing, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it during reheating to prevent over‑cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of American Style Goulash in Southern United States cuisine?
American Style Goulash is a beloved comfort food in the Southern United States, especially in East Tennessee where it was a staple for school lunches and family dinners. It evolved from European goulash, adapting to American pantry staples like ground beef, elbow macaroni, and canned tomatoes, creating a hearty one‑pot meal that reflects the region’s resourceful cooking traditions.
What traditional regional variations of American Style Goulash exist within Southern cuisine?
In the Deep South, cooks often add a splash of hot sauce or extra jalapeños for heat, while in the Midwest you might find a version with ground pork instead of beef. Some families top the dish with crushed cornflakes for a crunchy topping, and others serve it over a bed of rice rather than with bread.
How is American Style Goulash traditionally served in Southern households?
It is typically served hot straight from the Dutch oven, sprinkled with shredded cheddar and a little grated Parmesan. A side of buttered French bread or a slice of homemade cornbread is common, and many families enjoy it with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
During what occasions or celebrations is American Style Goulash traditionally enjoyed in Southern culture?
The dish is a go‑to for casual family gatherings, potlucks, and Friday night dinners. It’s also popular at church socials and school fundraisers because it feeds a crowd, can be made in a single pot, and stays warm for hours.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for American Style Goulash versus acceptable substitutes?
Core ingredients include ground beef, elbow macaroni, canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and a blend of smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Substitutes can be ground turkey for a leaner option, any short pasta shape for the macaroni, or fresh crushed tomatoes instead of canned if preferred.
What other Southern dishes pair well with American Style Goulash?
A crisp coleslaw, buttered green beans, or a simple cucumber‑tomato salad complement the richness of the goulash. For a heartier meal, serve with cornbread, hush puppies, or a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making American Style Goulash?
Common errors include over‑cooking the pasta, which makes it mushy, not draining enough grease from the beef, leading to a greasy sauce, and under‑seasoning the base before the noodles are added. Also, avoid cooking on too high a heat during the simmer stage, as it can cause the sauce to scorch.
Why does this American Style Goulash recipe use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle, wood‑smoked depth that mimics the flavor of slow‑cooked Southern dishes. Regular paprika would give color but lacks the characteristic smoky note that makes this version stand out.
Can I make American Style Goulash ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the goulash improves after a few hours as the flavors meld. Cool it to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.
What does the YouTube channel ThePohto Southern Cooking specialize in?
ThePohto Southern Cooking focuses on traditional Southern comfort foods, farm‑to‑table recipes, and nostalgic dishes that evoke the flavors of the American South. The channel emphasizes simple, one‑pot meals and tips for cooking with pantry staples.
How does the YouTube channel ThePohto Southern Cooking's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
ThePohto Southern Cooking blends storytelling about family heritage with straightforward, no‑fuss cooking techniques, often using a single Dutch oven or skillet. Unlike some channels that showcase elaborate plating, ThePohto emphasizes hearty, home‑style meals that are quick to prepare and budget‑friendly.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
