Mexican Goulash

How to make Mexican Goulash

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil

1 pound Lean Ground Beef

1 Onion, diced

2 cloves Garlic, minced

10 ounces Diced Tomatoes with Chilies, (1 can), WITH juice

1 4 ounce can Diced Jalapeño Peppers

1 cup Frozen Corn

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

1/2 teaspoon Cumin

1 1/2 cups Reduced Sodium Chicken Stock, or beef stock

2 cups Elbow Macaroni, (about 8 ounces)

1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese, (4 ounces)

Chopped Cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

In a large skillet, brown ground beef along with onions and garlic, about 5 minutes.

Add the tomatoes (with juice), jalapeño peppers, corn, salt, pepper, cumin, chicken stock and pasta. Stir to combine.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cover with a lid.

Cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.

Pasta will continue to absorb liquid after removing from heat.

Stir in cheese and sprinkle with cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can definitely substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef in this recipe. The choice of meat can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish, so feel free to use your preference.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this dish?

Absolutely! The spiciness primarily comes from the diced tomatoes with chilies and the jalapeño peppers.

If you prefer a milder taste, you can use diced tomatoes without chilies and adjust the amount of jalapeño peppers or even omit them altogether.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you’d like. Elbow macaroni is traditional for goulash, but you could try other small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even shells.

Keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef stock?

Certainly! You can use vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish. The choice of broth will influence the overall flavor, so pick one that aligns with your taste preferences.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. After cooking, allow it to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat portions as needed. Keep in mind that the pasta may continue to absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a bit of extra broth or water when reheating.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes with chilies?

Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes if you prefer.

However, since the canned diced tomatoes with chilies add a specific flavor and spiciness to the dish, you might want to adjust the spices and seasonings accordingly if you opt for fresh tomatoes.

Is the heat level of this dish very spicy due to the jalapeño peppers?

The heat level can vary based on your tolerance for spiciness and the amount of jalapeño peppers you use.

If you’re concerned about the heat, you can start by adding a smaller amount of diced jalapeño peppers and adjust according to your taste.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Monterey Jack for the topping?

Certainly! While Monterey Jack cheese works well for its mild flavor and melting properties, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, colby, or even a Mexican blend.

Keep in mind that the choice of cheese will impact the final taste.

What can I serve as a side dish with this Mexican Goulash?

This dish is already quite hearty and flavorful, but you could pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or even tortilla chips and salsa for a complete meal with a Mexican twist.

Can I make this dish in advance and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it.

When reheating, you may need to add a bit of additional liquid (such as chicken or beef stock) to prevent it from drying out, as the pasta might continue to absorb the liquid.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and adjust seasonings as needed.