Goulash Done Good

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty, cheesy macaroni dish with ground beef and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for families and comfort food lovers seeking a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.

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Ingredients

  • 16 oz. elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 8 oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 can stewed tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil the macaroni until done; drain and set aside.
  2. Brown ground beef, chopped bell pepper, garlic powder, and chopped onion in a skillet; drain excess fat.
  3. Combine the meat mixture and cooked macaroni, then add tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mix well and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
  5. Adjust chili powder to taste if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked macaroni can be used to speed up the process. Feel free to adjust the chili powder to your preferred spice level, as this recipe is versatile enough to handle various heat levels.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Goulash Done Good hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated cheese for an extra touch. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or alongside Miss Daisey'S Casserole for a hearty family dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Goulash Done Good contains roughly 455 calories, with 13g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (198% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2635mg per serving (115% of the Daily Value).

455 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.3g 27% DV
Total Fat 22.4g 29% DV
Carbs 56.1g 20% DV
Fiber 11.1g 40% DV
Sugar 14.8g 30% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2635mg 100% DV
Potassium 996.7mg 21% DV
Cholesterol 19.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 490.3mcg 54% DV
Vitamin C 178.1mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 110.1mg 8% DV
Iron 5.6mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

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 this vegetarian?

Certainly! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or a mix of lentils and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors, and you'll have a delicious meatless version that everyone will enjoy.

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).

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