A Blast from the Past: Old-Fashioned Goulash
Calling all comfort food enthusiasts! This recipe for Old-Fashioned Goulash is a warm hug in a bowl, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and send you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
A Minnesota Twist on a Classic:
This recipe might be a little different from what you've encountered elsewhere. It's a hearty and flavorful stew featuring ground beef and macaroni simmered in a rich tomato sauce – a true Minnesota classic! Depending on your region, you might also know it by names like "Chop Suey" or "Slumgullion."
Why This Goulash Will Become Your New Weeknight Staple:
- Generations of Family Love: This dish has been a staple for families for generations, bringing loved ones together over a warm and satisfying meal. It's the kind of recipe that evokes happy memories and creates new ones.
- Budget-Stretching Hero: Embrace your inner frugal chef! Goulash is a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and the pantry staple ingredients in the sauce keep the cost down. A single pound of ground beef transforms into a full and flavorful meal that feeds the whole family.
- Weeknight Wonder: Short on time but craving comfort food? No worries! This recipe comes together quickly and easily on the stovetop, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It's so simple, even beginner cooks can whip it up in no time!
- Pantry Perfect: Most of the ingredients for this goulash are likely already on hand in your pantry, making it a great last-minute meal option. No need for a special grocery run – comfort food awaits!
Gather Your Ingredients for Comfort Food Bliss:
- Macaroni Mania:
- ½ pound (225g) macaroni noodles – the base for this hearty and satisfying dish
- Beefy Base:1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef – the protein powerhouse of the goulash
- Veggie Symphony:
- 1 large onion, diced – adds a savory base flavor
- Flavor Fiesta:
- Garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce to taste - customize the spice level to your preference!
- Tomato Tango:
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans whole stewed tomatoes, undrained – the base for the rich and flavorful sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup – adds a touch of sweetness and tang
- Tomato juice (optional) – for a looser, soupier consistency
Step-by-Step Guide to Comfort Food Bliss:
- Macaroni Mission: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain and set aside. Perfectly cooked macaroni adds a delightful textural contrast to the stew.
- Beef Bonanza: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and diced onion together over medium heat. The browned ground beef forms the base of the flavorful stew.
- Spice it Up: Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pan. Season the ground beef mixture with garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce to taste. Start with a little bit of each spice and adjust to your desired level of heat. Customize the spice level to create a goulash that's perfect for your taste buds!
- Tomato Time: In a large bowl, mash the whole stewed tomatoes with a potato masher. This helps to break them down and create a thicker sauce, adding a rich and vibrant tomato flavor to the goulash.
- The Grand Finale: Add the mashed tomatoes and ketchup to the seasoned ground beef mixture in the skillet. Stir in the cooked and drained macaroni, ensuring everything is evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. Combine all the ingredients well, creating a comforting and hearty stew.
- Extra Juicy (Optional): If you prefer a looser, soupier goulash, you can add tomato juice at this point. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency. The optional tomato juice allows you to customize the texture of the goulash to your liking.
- Serve and Savor: Serve this comforting Old-Fashioned Goulash hot and enjoy a delicious taste of home cooking! Dive into a bowl of nostalgia and savor the warmth and comfort of this classic dish.
Comments
Post a Comment