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Southern Old Fashioned Goulash: A Comforting Classic
There’s nothing quite like the warm, hearty embrace of a bowl of Southern Old Fashioned Goulash. This classic comfort food combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, tomato-based sauce. Perfect for family dinners, it’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table. Here’s how you can make it at home, step by step.
Ingredients
For a family-sized portion (serves 6-8):
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions (usually 7-9 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain and set aside. Lightly drizzle with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Base
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up into small pieces.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, basil, and sugar (if using).
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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