Paula Deen’s Southern Goulash Recipe

Paula Deen’s Southern Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s an easy-to-make meal perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

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Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 cups water
• 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 (14.5 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the Beef and Vegetables:
   • In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
   • Add the ground beef and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns.
   • Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper; continue to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the water, tomato sauce, and fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
   • Add the dried basil, dried oregano, hot sauce, and garlic powder.
   • Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
   • Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the Macaroni:
   • Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
   • Cover the pot again and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the goulash stand for about 20 minutes to thicken slightly.
   • Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

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Tips for a Delicious Goulash

1. Adjust the Heat: Modify the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice preference. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the hot sauce.
2. Pasta Choice: While elbow macaroni is traditional, other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini can be used.
3. Make Ahead: Goulash often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.