Gluten-Free American Chop Suey (aka Goulash)
Try this Gluten-Free American Chop Suey (aka Goulash) recipe.
Try this Gluten-Free American Chop Suey (aka Goulash) recipe.
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt
- nonstick cooking spray
- 1 clove garlic minced or put through a garlic press
- 1 pound gluten-free elbow macaroni
- 1 pound 93% (extra-lean) ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) tomato sauce (i used hunt's tomato sau
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Carbohydrate 0.57603084352 g
- Cholesterol 44.6504988825 mg
- Fat 15.8398804337337 g
- Fiber 0.006625 g
- Protein 10.59147937785 g
- Saturated Fat 9.21117711847792 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -5 (272g)
- Sodium 264.164807676515 mg
- Sugar 0.56940584352 g
- Trans Fat 0.776133981767101 g
- Calories 187 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lightly spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish (or a large oven-proof dish) with nonstick cooking spray.
- Fill a large pot three-quarters full with water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Set a colander in the sink for draining the pasta.
- When the water reaches a boil, add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Stir with a wooden spoon for about 30 seconds, then stir occasionally while the pasta cooks.
- In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over high heat until hot and shimmering but not smoking. Add the onion. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and aromatic.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the clumps with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until thoroughly cooked and browned, about four minutes. If desired, remove and discard any excess fat.
- Stir three-quarters of the tomato sauce into the beef. Lower the heat to low.
- After about 10 minutes of boiling, check the pasta for doneness. Drain the pasta in the colander and return it to the cooking pot.
- Add the meat sauce to the pasta and stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining tomato sauce and sprinkle evenly with the cheese.
- Bake until the cheese is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling, about 15 minutes.
My Favorite Comfort Food: Gluten-Free American Chop Suey
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like an impossible task. Weeknights are a blur of homework help, soccer practice, and the ever-present mountain of laundry. But there’s one dish that always manages to bring my family together and satisfy even the pickiest eaters: Gluten-Free American Chop Suey. This recipe isn't just quick and easy; it's also incredibly versatile, allowing me to adapt it based on what I have on hand and my family's ever-changing preferences.
What I love most about this dish is its simplicity. It’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup, which is a huge win in my book. The ingredients are readily available, and the recipe itself is remarkably forgiving. Sometimes I add a handful of frozen peas or carrots for extra nutrients and a pop of color. Other times, I swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or even ground turkey, depending on what's on sale or what my family is craving. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; it's truly a blank canvas for culinary creativity, allowing me to experiment with different flavors and ingredients without compromising the overall deliciousness.
The rich, savory sauce clings beautifully to the gluten-free pasta, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese is a classic for a reason—it’s simply comforting and delicious. And the best part is, the kids love it! It’s rare to find a meal that's both healthy and kid-approved, but this one manages to hit both marks.
I often make a double batch on the weekend and freeze half for a quick weeknight meal. It reheats beautifully, and it tastes just as good the second time around. This allows me to have a healthy, home-cooked meal ready in minutes, even on those crazy busy nights when I barely have time to breathe, let alone cook from scratch. For me, this recipe is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of family, comfort, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal together.
Beyond the Basics: Variations and Tips
While the basic recipe is already fantastic, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Veggie boost: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses.
- Meat alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
- Herbs and spices: Add fresh or dried herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme to enhance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chop Suey is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, I often pair it with a simple green salad and a side of garlic bread. The contrast of textures and flavors makes for a truly satisfying culinary experience.
The Takeaway: A Recipe for Busy Lives
In the whirlwind of modern life, finding time for anything other than the bare essentials can feel like a luxury. But this Gluten-Free American Chop Suey recipe reminds me that even amidst the chaos, there’s always time for a delicious and nourishing home-cooked meal. It's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. This recipe is a constant in my busy life, a comforting dish that brings my family together and allows me to pause, even if just for a moment, to savor the simple pleasures of life.
