Southern Goulash

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

A hearty Southern goulash combining ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and vegetables, simmered to develop rich flavors, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 2 cans tomatoes
  • 1 c. uncooked rice
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 t. salt
  • 1 t. pepper
  • 3-4 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, brown ground beef until done, then drain excess fat.
  2. Transfer the cooked beef to a large pot or Dutch oven.
  3. Add canned tomatoes, uncooked rice, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to the pot.
  4. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  6. Refrigerate overnight.
  7. Reheat the next day and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you're short on time, you can substitute the uncooked rice with pre-cooked rice, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or carrots for extra nutrition. This dish is reminiscent of other classic American recipes that showcase hearty ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Southern Goulash with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. This dish pairs beautifully with Cece'S Meat Dip as an appetizer for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or coleslaw for added crunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in individual portions until heated through. You can add a splash of water if it seems too thick.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern Goulash contains roughly 437 calories, with 12g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (251% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2340mg per serving (102% of the Daily Value).

437 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.9g 24% DV
Total Fat 12.3g 16% DV
Carbs 78.5g 29% DV
Fiber 16.4g 59% DV
Sugar 12.8g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2340.5mg 100% DV
Potassium 1094.3mg 23% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 245mcg 27% DV
Vitamin C 226.1mg 100% DV
Calcium 280.2mg 22% DV
Iron 13.9mg 77% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Southern Goulash?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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