American Goulash: A Weeknight Dinner Dream
Ditch the Ordinary, Embrace the Comforting:
Forget the goulash you think you know! This American rendition is a world apart from its European cousin. It's a symphony of textures and flavors – juicy ground beef, tender macaroni nestled in a rich tomato sauce – all coming together in a one-pot wonder. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is guaranteed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
A Legacy of Comfort with Many Names:
American Goulash boasts a rich history and surprising versatility. Depending on your region, you might know it by different names like "Chop Suey" or "Slumgullion." The beauty lies in its adaptability – personalize it with your favorite spices and ingredients to create a dish that perfectly reflects your taste preferences.
A Symphony of Deliciousness:
- Beefy Bonanza: Savory ground beef forms the base of this dish, providing a comforting heartiness that warms you from the inside out. Every bite bursts with rich, satisfying flavor.
- Macaroni Marvel: Tender macaroni noodles mingle with the meat and sauce, creating a delightful textural contrast. They act as the perfect vehicle for scooping up all the delicious flavors in each mouthful.
- Tangy Tomato Dream: Crushed stewed tomatoes and ketchup create a rich and flavorful sauce that's both tangy and slightly sweet. It perfectly complements the savory beef and adds a touch of vibrant color to the dish.
A Canvas for Creativity:
Feeling adventurous? Feel free to unleash your inner chef! Adjust the spice level to your preference with garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, or even a touch of hot sauce. This dish is all about creating flavors that tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients for Your American Goulash Feast (Serves 4-6):
The Hearty Base:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (about 680 grams)
The Macaroni Marvel:
- ½ lb (226 grams) elbow macaroni
The Tangy Trio:
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans whole stewed tomatoes, undrained (about 800 grams)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup (30 milliliters)
The Spice Symphony (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- A few dashes of hot sauce (to taste)
The Finishing Touch (Optional):
- Tomato juice (to adjust consistency)
Step-by-Step Guide to American Goulash Bliss:
- Macaroni Magic: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
- Brown and Season: While the macaroni cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef as it cooks until browned and crumbly. Season generously with garlic salt, pepper, and chili powder. If you like it spicy, add a few dashes of hot sauce to taste.
- Tomato Time: Drain any excess grease from the pan. Add the crushed stewed tomatoes (with their juices) and ketchup to the browned beef mixture. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan are incorporated into the sauce.
- The Grand Union: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the pot with the beef and tomato mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Flavorful Finale: Give your goulash a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you prefer a looser consistency, add tomato juice a little at a time, stirring well after each addition, until you reach your desired level of sauciness.
- Serve and Savor! Ladle this hearty and comforting American Goulash into bowls and serve with a side of cornbread or biscuits for a complete and satisfying meal. Leftovers tend to thicken up as the noodles soak up the sauce. Phyllis, a recipe contributor, recommends adding extra tomato juice when reheating to achieve your preferred consistency.
Tips and Tricks:
- Leftover Love (continued): Enjoy them for lunch or another satisfying dinner. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice if the goulash seems too thick.
- Shortcut Savvy: Short on time? Swap the elbow macaroni for a quicker-cooking pasta like small shells or ditalini. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
- Pantry Staples Savior: Don't have stewed tomatoes? No problem! Use a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes instead. You can also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra richness.
- Spice It Up!: For a kick of Mexican flavor, add a teaspoon of ground cumin and a can of diced green chilies to the sauce along with the stewed tomatoes.
- A Touch of Elegance: Turn this into a more sophisticated dish by serving it over a bed of cooked rice instead of cornbread or biscuits.
A Legacy of Comfort Food:
American Goulash is a testament to the enduring appeal of comfort food. It's a dish steeped in tradition, yet infinitely adaptable to your personal preferences. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your creativity, and embark on a delicious journey of creating your own version of this weeknight dinner dream.
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