Estelle'S "Goo-Losh"
A hearty, flavorful pasta dish featuring seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and rich tomato paste, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put a large pot of water on to boil.
- Add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil to the boiling water.
- Once boiling, add the package of curly macaroni and stir occasionally.
- Cook until al dente, then drain well.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground hamburger meat.
- Add chopped medium bell pepper and chopped medium onion to the skillet, cook until vegetables are tender.
- Let simmer until fully cooked, covered.
- Add garlic salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in 2 small cans of tomato paste and 1 small can of tomatoes.
- Let simmer until flavors meld and mixture is heated through.
- Pour the meat and tomato sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder when browning the meat. For a healthier twist, swap out half of the macaroni for whole wheat pasta. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger meat for a lighter option. If you're looking for more variety, try adding some chopped spinach or zucchini to the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Estelle's Goo-Losh with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for added richness. It pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad like Broccoli Salad With Bacon. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Peg'S Layered Salad for a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the Goo-Losh to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through, or warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Estelle'S "Goo-Losh" contains roughly 481 calories, with 18g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (292% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (122% of the Daily Value), and iron (72% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 34g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Estelle's Goo-Losh ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of combining the pasta and sauce. Simply store the cooked macaroni and the meat sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, just mix them together and heat through for a quick meal.
What can I substitute for tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste on hand, you can use an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Keep in mind that using crushed tomatoes may result in a slightly thinner consistency, so you might want to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe or simmer it longer to thicken.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or carrots to add more nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them along with the bell pepper and onion until they're tender for delicious additions that complement the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).