Cook the Macaroni: Begin by cooking the macaroni to al dente according to the package directions. This ensures that the pasta retains a slight bite and doesn’t become mushy when combined with the other ingredients.
Prepare the Beef Mixture: While the macaroni is cooking, brown the ground beef and diced onion together in an extra-large skillet or dutch oven. Drain any excess grease from the beef and season it with garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, and hot sauce to taste.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the whole stewed tomatoes with a potato masher. Add the mashed tomatoes to the beef mixture along with the ketchup. Stir well to combine.
Add Macaroni: Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and add it to the beef mixture. Stir everything together until the macaroni is evenly coated with the beef and tomato mixture.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more garlic salt, pepper, chili powder, or hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Optional: Add Tomato Juice: Depending on your preference, you can add tomato juice to the goulash to make it more juicy. If you find that the noodles absorb a lot of the liquid over time, adding tomato juice can help maintain the desired consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is heated through and well combined, your Old Fashioned Goulash is ready to serve. Enjoy it hot as a comforting meal on its own, or pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner.
Tips for Customizing Your Goulash:
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add additional vegetables to your goulash for extra flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini are all great options.
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of your goulash before serving for a cheesy twist.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili powder to control the spiciness of your goulash.
Fresh Herbs: Garnish your goulash with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
Make It Ahead: Old Fashioned Goulash is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it in advance and simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Old Fashioned Goulash is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or put your own spin on it, one thing is for sure – this hearty dish is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
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