Southwestern Goulash
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it.
I had some extra cilantro in the fridge and didn't want to throw it away. Instead, I came up with this delightful and filling family recipe. Everyone just loved it.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 2/3 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
- Carbohydrate 21.6241546997863 g
- Cholesterol 49.1391734166667 mg
- Fat 8.15580151068376 g
- Fiber 2.24203511146368 g
- Protein 18.9309142959402 g
- Saturated Fat 3.16161300944188 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings. (241g)
- Sodium 240.918085486325 mg
- Sugar 19.3821195883226 g
- Trans Fat 1.09633088398932 g
- Calories 235 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Meanwhile, in a 6-qt. stockpot, cook and crumble beef with onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, 6-8 minutes; drain.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, corn, chiles and dry seasonings; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until flavors are blended, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in macaroni and cilantro.
My Southwestern Goulash Adventure: A Busy Mom's Delight
Life as a busy mom is a whirlwind of school runs, work deadlines, and the never-ending quest for a decent family meal. Let's be honest, sometimes the easiest option seems to be ordering takeout or relying on processed convenience foods. But deep down, I know that cooking healthy, delicious meals for my family is a priority. It's a way to show them I love them, and to create lasting memories around our dinner table. This Southwestern Goulash recipe became a lifesaver during one of those particularly hectic weeks. I had a bunch of cilantro that was about to go bad, and instead of letting it wilt in the crisper drawer, I decided to get creative.
The inspiration struck me like a bolt of lightning (or maybe it was just the exhaustion talking!). I rummaged through my pantry, pulling out the usual suspects: ground beef, canned tomatoes, corn, and some spicy green chilies. The combination of these ingredients, along with the unexpected addition of fresh cilantro, created a flavor explosion that my family absolutely devoured. This goulash is quick, easy, and surprisingly satisfying, making it the perfect weeknight meal for even the busiest of moms. It's incredibly versatile too – you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, and substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There’s no complicated chopping or lengthy cooking times. I’ve always found that the best recipes are the ones that allow you to spend more time with your family, rather than being stuck in the kitchen all evening. This one fits the bill perfectly. I love how the subtle sweetness of the corn and tomatoes balances the spiciness of the chili peppers. The cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant touch that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. And the best part? My kids, who can be notoriously picky eaters, genuinely enjoyed it! It’s a testament to how a simple yet flavorful meal can bring everyone together.
Ingredients I used:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 2/3 cup frozen corn
- 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Why this recipe works for a busy mom:
- Quick and Easy: The entire recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot cooking means less mess!
- Family-Friendly: My kids actually loved it!
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the spices and ingredients to suit your family's preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses mostly pantry staples.
This Southwestern Goulash isn't just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, a little creativity, and a whole lot of love. It’s become a staple in our household, a comforting dish that always brings a smile to our faces. So, if you're a busy mom looking for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly meal, give this recipe a try. You won't regret it!
