Paula Deen’s Goulash

Discover Paula Deen’s Classic Goulash Recipe, the perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights. This easy and delicious recipe features lean ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a flavorful tomato sauce seasoned with Italian spices. Ideal for family dinners, this hearty goulash is quick to make and packed with savory goodness. Try this comforting, Southern-inspired dish tonight and enjoy a simple, satisfying homemade meal. Perfect for those looking for quick and easy dinner ideas or crowd-pleasing recipes for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 2 large yellow onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 cups water
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon House Seasoning (recipe below)
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

House Seasoning

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large Dutch oven, cook 2 pounds of lean ground beef over medium-high heat until it browns. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and garlic to the pot with the ground beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are tender and translucent.
3. Combine Ingredients: Pour 3 cups of water into the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, House seasoning, seasoned salt, and soy sauce. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Add Elbow Macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
5. Final Touches: After 30 minutes, remove the pot from heat and take out the bay leaves. Allow the goulash to cool for about 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.