Paula Deen Goulash Recipe

Are you looking for a cozy meal? The Paula Deen Goulash Recipe is the best choice. This dish brings Southern comfort to your table. Families love this Paula Deen Goulash Recipe.

It is simple to make on busy nights. This Paula Deen Goulash Recipe fills your home with joy.

It is a classic American dish. Many people call it American Chop Suey. It is warm and very filling. You only need one pot for this. This makes cleanup very easy for you.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This dish has a very rich flavor. It tastes like savory beef and sweet tomatoes. The texture is soft and very creamy. You will find tender pasta in every bite. The melted cheese makes it very gooey.

It is a very easy meal to cook. Even beginners can make this well. It takes about forty-five minutes to finish. You spend ten minutes doing the prep work. The rest of the time is for simmering.

This recipe saves you a lot of time. You can feed a large crowd quickly. It tastes even better the next day. This makes it perfect for meal prep. Your kids will ask for seconds every time.

Equipment List

Large Dutch Oven: You need a heavy pot for this meal. It holds all the liquid and meat easily. This pot helps the heat stay very even.

Wooden Spoon: A sturdy spoon is vital for stirring. You must break up the ground meat well. It helps you scrape the bottom of the pot.

Chef’s Knife: Use a sharp knife for the veggies. You need to chop onions and peppers finely. A good knife makes the work very fast.

Cutting Board: A large board gives you plenty of space. It keeps your counters clean while you prep. Use a plastic or wood board for safety.

Measuring Cups: You must measure the water and pasta. Correct amounts ensure the sauce is perfect. Use clear cups for easy reading of marks.

Measuring Spoons: These are for the spices and salt. Small amounts make a big difference in taste. Always level off the spoons for accuracy.

Colander: You might need this for the pasta. Some people cook the pasta on the side. It helps drain the hot water away safely.

Can Opener: You will open many cans for this. A smooth opener prevents sharp edges on cans. It is a simple but needed tool today.

Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Goulash Recipe

Ground Beef: This meat provides a very hearty base. It makes the dish feel like a meal. Use lean beef to keep it healthy.

Yellow Onion: Onions add a lovely savory sweetness here. They soften as they cook in the beef. They provide a very deep base flavor.

Green Bell Pepper: This adds a nice crunch and color. It gives the sauce a fresh garden taste. Chop it into very small pieces for kids.

Garlic: Garlic makes the whole house smell amazing. It adds a spicy kick to the beef. Use fresh cloves for the best results.

Water: You need liquid to cook the dry pasta. Water mixes with the sauces to make gravy. It keeps the noodles from sticking together.

Tomato Sauce: This makes the meal very red and saucy. It coats every piece of macaroni perfectly. It provides a smooth and tangy base.

Diced Tomatoes: These add chunks of fruit to the dish. They give the goulash a very rustic look. Keep the juice in the can for flavor.

Soy Sauce: This is a secret Paula Deen ingredient. It adds a salty and umami depth. It makes the beef taste much richer.

Italian Seasoning: This blend has many dried green herbs. It adds an earthy scent to the sauce. It makes the dish taste like home.

Bay Leaves: These leaves add a subtle floral note. They simmer in the sauce for a long time. Remove them before you serve the plates.

Seasoned Salt: This salt has extra spices mixed in. It seasons the meat better than plain salt. It is a staple in Southern cooking.

Black Pepper: A little heat goes a long way. It balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. Use freshly ground pepper for more punch.

Elbow Macaroni: These tiny tubes hold the sauce inside. They are the classic choice for American goulash. They cook quickly in the savory liquid.

Cheddar Cheese: Cheese makes everything taste much better. It melts into the hot pasta and beef. It creates a very creamy and thick finish.

How to Assemble

Step 1:

Place your large pot on the stove now. Turn the heat to a medium setting. Add your ground beef to the hot pot.

Step 2:

Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers. Cook until the meat is no longer pink.

Step 3:

Drain the excess fat from the pot carefully. This keeps the dish from being too oily. Return the pot to the stove heat.

Step 4:

Add the minced garlic to the beef mixture. Stir it for about one minute only. You do not want the garlic to burn.

Step 5:

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Add the water and the soy sauce now. Stir everything until it is well combined.

Step 6:

Stir in the Italian seasoning and bay leaves. Add the seasoned salt and the black pepper. Bring the liquid to a light boil.

Step 7:

Turn the heat down to a low setting. Cover the pot with a tight lid. Let it simmer for about twenty minutes.

Step 8:

Add the dry elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir it well so it does not stick. The noodles must be covered by the liquid.

Step 9:

Put the lid back on the large pot. Cook for twenty more minutes on low heat. The pasta should be very soft and tender.

Step 10:

Turn off the heat on the stove now. Remove the bay leaves from the hot sauce. They have finished their job for the flavor.

Step 11:

Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top now. Cover the pot for three minutes to melt. The cheese will become very gooey and delicious.

Recipe Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce the greasy oil.
• Do not overcook the pasta or it gets mushy.
• Add more water if the sauce gets too thick.
• Taste the sauce before adding extra salt to it.
• Swap bell peppers for carrots for a sweeter taste.
• Use sharp cheddar for a much stronger cheese flavor.
• Let the dish rest for five minutes before serving.
• Fresh garlic tastes better than the jarred kind here.
• Store the bay leaves in a cool dry place.
• Double the recipe to feed a very large group.

How To Store Leftover

You can store leftovers in the fridge easily. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay good for three days. The pasta will soak up the extra sauce.

You might need a splash of water when reheating. Use the microwave or a small saucepan. Heat it until it is steaming hot throughout.

Sides & Pairings Suggestions

This meal is very heavy on its own. A light green salad is a great side. You can also serve it with garlic bread. The bread helps scoop up the extra sauce.

Steamed broccoli adds a nice pop of color. Some people like to serve it with corn. It is a very versatile and simple dinner choice.

Nutritions

Nutrient	Value
Calories	420 kcal
Protein	25 g
Total Fat	18 g
Carbohydrates	38 g
Fiber	4 g

FAQs about Paula Deen Goulash Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey. It is a leaner and healthier choice. The flavor will be slightly lighter than beef. Use extra seasoning for the turkey.

Do I need to boil the pasta first?

No, you do not boil the pasta first. The dry macaroni cooks in the tomato sauce. This helps the pasta soak up all the flavor. It saves time.

Can I freeze this goulash recipe?

Yes, this dish freezes very well. Put it in a freezer bag once cool. It lasts for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before heating.

What if I do not have soy sauce?

You can use Worcestershire sauce instead of soy. It provides a similar savory and salty taste. You can also just use a bit more salt.

Final Thoughts

Making this goulash is a very fun experience. It brings a sense of warmth to the kitchen. Your family will love the cheesy and beefy taste. It is the ultimate comfort food for cold nights.

You can change the spices to fit your taste. Cooking for loved ones is always a great joy. I hope you enjoy every single bite of this.