Wanda'S Way Goulash
A hearty, flavorful goulash with ground beef, vegetables, and cheesy macaroni, perfect for comforting family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef lightly in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and bell pepper to the skillet.
- Cook until onions are clear, about 5 minutes.
- Add seasonings, Ro-Tel tomatoes with chilies, water, and chopped or crushed tomatoes if using.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the macaroni and cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Add the cheese packet from the macaroni and cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier dish, consider adding black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor. If you're out of macaroni and cheese, you can substitute with any pasta and a cheese sauce. Using fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro as a garnish can also elevate the dish. Adjust the chili powder to your taste for more or less heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Wanda's Way Goulash with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Texas Hot Hash for a comforting dinner spread. For added flavor, top with shredded cheese or fresh green onions before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wanda'S Way Goulash contains roughly 102 calories, with 5g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1333mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the goulash ahead of time. Simply cook it through step 6, allow it to cool, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat thoroughly before adding the cheese packet and serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this goulash?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils for added protein. Replace the macaroni and cheese with a vegan version to keep it fully plant-based.
What can I do if the goulash is too thick?
If your goulash turns out too thick, simply stir in a little extra water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. This will also help to keep it moist during reheating.
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).