Goulash!

We have lived in Iowa for seven years now and, until now, I haven't made goulash. I *love* goulash. So why haven't I made it? Because my dear husband said he didn't like it. My dear husband who claims not to be picky. Yeah. I made it while we lived in Utah because he worked 6pm to 6am and rarely had time to eat anything more than a bag of chips. He's been on days since we moved, so I try to accommodate. But, enough was enough!

I never liked goulash as a kid. What my mom called goulash, anyway. Macaroni and hamburger with stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce. I loved my mom, don't get me wrong, but cooking wasn't her thing. She hated cooking, but did it because she was wife and mom, and she considered it her job not to let us starve. I learned to cook early in self defense!

My goulash starts a bit differently than most. I found a recipe online about fifteen years ago that had you cook the pasta in tomato juice rather than water. Makes ALL the difference! I lost that recipe long ago, but remember that part. This way, the tomato flavor is IN the macaroni, not just on it. The flavor is much richer. This makes a big pot, so feel free to halve it!

Oh, and Mr I Don't Like Goulash? Ate two helpings.

Goulash

2 lbs lean ground beef

16 oz uncooked macaroni

1 can corn, drained (frozen may be used, thaw first)

1 large can tomatoes (stewed, diced, whole, whatever you like), undrained

46 oz tomato juice (V8 may be used if you like)

1 large onion, chopped

2 T paprika

1 t salt

1 t black pepper

1/2 t garlic powder (NOT garlic salt!)

1/2 t onion powder (NOT onion salt!)

In a large skillet, cook beef and onions. Drain and rinse. Set aside.

In a large pot, heat tomato juice and macaroni over medium high heat. Add tomatoes, corn, and seasonings. Stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The macaroni will absorb most of the juice as it cooks.

When the pasta is tender, add the beef and onions. Turn heat to medium low, stirring often, until beef and onions are hot.

Serve with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top.

Taco Corn Chip Casserole

It's been a while since I posted, I know. I apologize. Things just seemed to pile up and I needed time to dig my way out. I'm going to do my best to keep up with this, this time.

I need to get my act together...seems every time I cook or crochet something new, I don't have a camera near. I did get a picture of tonight's dinner, but used the camera on my tablet and it leaves a lot to be desired.

Right now, there are four adults here, our two sons are home while they go to school, so I'm still cooking for an army. This recipe is easily cut in half for normal people. Not only do my boys pack it away, they also like leftovers for lunch the next day or so, so even though I make a lot, it's very seldom that any goes to waste.

As usual, substitutions are great. Make it to suit your family. This calls for kidney beans, but I think next time, I'll use black beans. I meant to add some Rotel, but forgot until I was adding the last layer of cheese, so... maybe next time.

Taco Corn Chip Casserole

2 lbs lean ground
2 cans (15oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 large can (28 oz) tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can corn, drained
1 small onion, chopped
3 C. Shredded cheddar cheese
2 bags (9oz) corn chips

Heat oven to 350°

Cook beef and onion in a large skillet. Drain and return to skillet. Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce, beans, and corn; mix well.

In a 10x14” baking dish, cover bottom with a layer of chips. Top with half the meat mixture, then half the cheese. Top with another layer of chips. Repeat layers, ending with chips.

Bake, uncovered, 20-25 minutes.


**This recipe may be halved**

Taco Cornbread Bake

I was hesitant about making this, even with the changes, but I'm glad I did!  Everyone loved it.  For me, anyway, it has just the right amount of zip.  I like spicy foods, but sometimes you don't want to need a gallon of water with your dinner!  And you can alter the amount of zip by the kind of salsa you use.  We always get medium, but you can go hotter or cooler.  If that's not hot enough, add a can of diced green chili peppers.

I really thought it would be bland, but the salsa does the job.  This can be halved, if you don't live with eating machines like I do.  Of course, I forgot to get a picture till it was almost gone...*sigh*  I'll get my head out of my butt one day, I swear!

Taco Cornbread Bake

2 pounds ground beef
1t. dry oregano
1 1/2 C. salsa
2 16 oz cans tomato sauce
2 cans corn, drained
2 boxes cornbread mix and the ingredients to make them
2 C. shredded cheddar

Heat oven to 375.
Brown beef with oregano.  Drain.  Add salsa, tomato sauce, corn, and 1 C. cheese.
Pour into a 9 x 13" baking pan.
Mix cornbread mix with required ingredients.  Pour over meat mixture and spread evenly.  Top with remaining cheese.
Bake 25-30 minutes.  Allow to rest at least 10 minutes before serving.