Better Than Mom's!

Back when I was a kid my mom used to make this stuff called goulash.  I really hated the stuff (sorry mom).  Her version was pretty much hamburger, elbow macaroni, and something runny and tomatoey (yes, it's a word:)).

Well I've come up with a version of my own that has the base of her goulash but is dressed up a bit.  Don't worry, it's also extremely quick and easy.

Boil some water.  Easy so far, right?  Add a good pinch of salt and about 1 1/2 c. of elbow macaroni.

Pull out your ground hamburger or turkey.  I used turkey this time around.  Throw in about 1/2 of a chopped onion and a couple of chopped garlic cloves.  Brown it all up.

Then you will throw in a can of diced tomatoes, 2 small cans of tomatoe sauce and some chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Mix it all together and heat it through.

Get some cheese.  I used about 6 ounces of medium cheddar and cubed it.

When your pasta is done, toss it and the cheese into the pan with the the meat and tomatoe mixture.

Combine it all together until the cheese is melted in and the pasta is well coated.  This usually takes about 5 minutes or long enough to referee my crazy boys.

Top each individual serving off with some grated parmesan.

 

This is definitely what I would call comfort food and it packs a bit more zing than mom's boring old goulash.  I mean it actually has some spices added.  In fact, maybe it deserves a better name?  Ideas?

Here's the recipe:

1 lb. ground hamburger or turkey

1/2 chopped medium onion

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 Tbsp. chili powder (more if you want more heat)

1 tsp. cumin

1 14.5 oz can of diced, peeled tomatoes

2 small cans of tomatoe sauce or one large can

1 1/2 c. of elbow macaroni

Approximately 6 ounces of cubed cheddar cheese.

Salt and pepper to taste.

Boil pasta in salted water.  While pasta is cooking, brown and break up the meat.  Add the onion and garlic and continue to saute for approximately 3 to 4 minutes.  Add in the diced tomatoes, tomatoe sauce, cumin, chili powder, and salt and pepper.

Once the pasta is al dente, add it to the meat and tomatoe mixture along with the cubed cheddar cheese.  Heat it all through for about 5 minutes.  Serve.  This comfortably feeds 6 people.

I serve this up with some crusty french bread and either a tossed salad or fruit.  Everyone in this family loves it!

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