This Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight dinner. It features a rich tomato sauce savory ground beef and perfectly tender macaroni noodles.
Learning how to make Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash is a great way to feed a large family cheaply. You only need simple ingredients to create a very filling meal.
This recipe is famous for its hearty Southern flavor and easy one-pot style.
My Story With This Comforting Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash
I remember the first time I made this dish on a very rainy and cold Tuesday evening. My kids were hungry, and I wanted something that felt like a warm hug in a bowl.
The smell of sautéed onions and simmering garlic filled my small kitchen and made everyone feel very hungry.When I placed the large pot on the table, the steam rose up and smelled like home.
We all sat together and finished every single bite of the savory beef and soft pasta. Now, this goulash is my favorite choice for when life gets busy and I need something fast.
It is a humble recipe that brings a lot of warmth and simple joy to our family.
Equipment List
- Large Dutch oven or a heavy stockpot
- Wooden spoon or a large spatula
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Large colander
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 410 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, chopped finely
- 3 cloves garlic, minced well
- 3 cups water
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions for Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe
1. Brown the Beef
In your large Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is fully brown. Break the meat into small crumbles with your spoon so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
2. Sauté the Onions
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef and stir them well. Cook for about five minutes until the onions are soft, translucent, and smell very fragrant in your kitchen.
3. Add the Tomato Base
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and the three cups of water into the beef and onion mixture. Stir everything together until the sauce is even and starts to simmer gently over medium heat.
If you love building deep tomato flavor this way, you might also enjoy this slow-simmered beef and pasta dish that uses a similar layering technique — it is another crowd-pleaser worth bookmarking.
4. Season the Pot
Stir in the soy sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and the black pepper into the sauce. These spices are the secret to the deep and savory flavor that makes this goulash so famous.
5. Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the heat. Let the sauce simmer for twenty minutes so all the flavors can blend together into a rich base.
6. Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce and stir well to prevent any sticking. Replace the lid and continue to cook the mixture over a low heat for fifteen more minutes.
7. Check the Noodles
Remove the lid and check if the pasta is tender and has soaked up the savory tomato juices. If the noodles are still firm, cook for another five minutes until they are perfectly soft and delicious.
8. Remove the Bay Leaves
Find the two bay leaves and remove them from the pot before you start to serve your guests. You want the flavor of the leaves but you do not want anyone to accidentally eat one.
9. Let it Rest
Turn off the heat and let the goulash sit for five minutes before you begin to dish it out. This resting time helps the sauce thicken up and stick to the noodles for a better texture.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the hot goulash into large bowls and serve it while it is still steaming and very fresh. You can add a little bit of cheese on top if your family likes an extra creamy finish.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version that is still very savory and rich.
- Add a chopped green bell pepper with the onions for extra crunch and a pop of color.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a half cup of beef broth to reach your favorite consistency.
- Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy twist.
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes to give the goulash a smoky and deep outdoor barbecue flavor.
- Always cook the pasta in the sauce so it absorbs all the wonderful seasoning and beef juices.
If you enjoy one-pot ground beef meals like this, you will love this spicy ground beef dish cooked in a single pot that has a similarly bold and satisfying flavor profile.
A Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Goulash actually started as a traditional soup or stew from Hungary many hundreds of years ago. When it came to America, Southern cooks changed it by adding pasta and sweet tomato sauce.
Paula Deen and her son Bobby made this version famous by keeping the ingredients very simple and affordable. This recipe represents the tradition of “one-pot” cooking that saves time and makes cleaning up very easy.
Today, it remains a classic dish that reminds people of school lunches and happy childhood dinners at home. It is a timeless meal that brings a sense of comfort to any hungry family table.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe is a complete meal, but it pairs well with simple sides. Serve a hot bowl with a slice of buttery garlic bread or some warm, crusty dinner rolls.
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the heavy meat. You can also serve it with steamed green beans or roasted corn on the cob for extra nutrition.
For a true Southern experience, enjoy it with a cold glass of sweet iced tea on the side.
Speaking of Southern sides, if you want something warm and indulgent to finish the meal, this classic Paula Deen Southern dessert is the perfect sweet note to end on.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Make this Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe for a casual family dinner on a busy school night. It is a fantastic choice for a large potluck where you need to feed many people easily.
This goulash is perfect for a cold winter gathering or a cozy game night with your close friends. Use it as a hearty meal for a camping trip since it only requires one large cooking pot.
It is also a wonderful way to celebrate a long weekend when you want more time for relaxing.
If you are planning a cozy dinner spread and want another warming option alongside the goulash, this hearty sausage and vegetable one-pot recipe makes a wonderful companion dish for feeding a crowd.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- This goulash actually tastes better the next day as the noodles soak up more of the sauce.
- You can freeze the goulash in freezer-safe bags for up to three months for a quick future meal.
- Reheat a single portion in the microwave for two minutes or until it is steaming hot again.
- For larger amounts, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water.
- Always stir the goulash while reheating to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Protein | 28g |
Is This Dish Good for You?
This Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe is a very high-protein meal that provides a lot of lasting energy. Ground beef is a great source of iron and essential vitamins that help your body stay strong.
Because you are cooking at home, you can control the salt and use fresh onions and garlic. It is a wholesome way to eat a balanced dinner that includes meat, pasta, and healthy tomatoes.
Making this dish from scratch is much better than buying canned pasta meals with many hidden additives. Sharing a big pot of homemade goulash is a beautiful way to show love to your family.
Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions chopped finely
- 3 cloves garlic minced well
- 3 cups water
- 2 cans 15 ounces each tomato sauce
- 2 cans 14.5 ounces each diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- In your large Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is fully brown. Break the meat into small crumbles with your spoon so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
Sauté the Onions
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef and stir them well. Cook for about five minutes until the onions are soft, translucent, and smell very fragrant in your kitchen.
Add the Tomato Base
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and the three cups of water into the beef and onion mixture. Stir everything together until the sauce is even and starts to simmer gently over medium heat.
- If you love building deep tomato flavor this way, you might also enjoy this slow-simmered beef and pasta dish that uses a similar layering technique — it is another crowd-pleaser worth bookmarking.
Season the Pot
- Stir in the soy sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and the black pepper into the sauce. These spices are the secret to the deep and savory flavor that makes this goulash so famous.
Simmer the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid to trap the heat. Let the sauce simmer for twenty minutes so all the flavors can blend together into a rich base.
Cook the Pasta
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the simmering sauce and stir well to prevent any sticking. Replace the lid and continue to cook the mixture over a low heat for fifteen more minutes.
Check the Noodles
- Remove the lid and check if the pasta is tender and has soaked up the savory tomato juices. If the noodles are still firm, cook for another five minutes until they are perfectly soft and delicious.
Remove the Bay Leaves
- Find the two bay leaves and remove them from the pot before you start to serve your guests. You want the flavor of the leaves but you do not want anyone to accidentally eat one.
Let it Rest
- Turn off the heat and let the goulash sit for five minutes before you begin to dish it out. This resting time helps the sauce thicken up and stick to the noodles for a better texture.
Serve and Enjoy
- Spoon the hot goulash into large bowls and serve it while it is still steaming and very fresh. You can add a little bit of cheese on top if your family likes an extra creamy finish.
Notes
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version that is still very savory and rich.
- Add a chopped green bell pepper with the onions for extra crunch and a pop of color.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a half cup of beef broth to reach your favorite consistency.
- Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy twist.
- Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes to give the goulash a smoky and deep outdoor barbecue flavor.
- Always cook the pasta in the sauce so it absorbs all the wonderful seasoning and beef juices.
FAQs about Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use penne, rotini, or shells if you do not have elbow macaroni in your pantry. Just make sure the pasta shape can hold onto the thick tomato sauce for the best flavor experience.
Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
No, the beauty of this specific recipe is that the dry pasta cooks right inside the tomato sauce. This saves you an extra pot and makes the noodles taste much more savory and delicious.
Why is my goulash too salty?
This can happen if your soy sauce or seasoned salt is very strong. Try using a low-sodium soy sauce or add a little more water to the pot to balance the flavors.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can brown the meat and onions first, then place everything except the pasta in the slow cooker. Add the dry macaroni during the last thirty minutes of cooking so it does not get mushy.
For more inspiration on slow cooker dinners that use the same hands-off approach, check out this slow cooker casserole that practically cooks itself.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is very mild and kid-friendly with a focus on savory Italian herbs and sweet tomatoes. If you want heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Fans of bold, well-seasoned ground beef dishes might also enjoy this richly spiced one-pot beef dinner that brings serious depth with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
I hope you have a wonderful time making this Paula Deen Bobby’s Goulash Recipe in your home today. It is a dish that proves how simple ground beef and pasta can create a legendary family meal.
There is nothing more satisfying than a big, warm pot of savory food waiting for you after work. This recipe is reliable, easy to follow, and will certainly become a favorite for your weekly dinner rotation.
Remember to let it simmer slowly so the flavors can really develop into something special for your loved ones. Thank you for joining me to explore this hearty and very classic Southern cooking journey today.
Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every single savory and comforting bite of your homemade goulash!
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!