Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash

INTRODUCTION

Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash is a dish that warms your heart and fills your tummy. It combines tasty ingredients and spices to make a meal everyone loves. With ground beef, beans, and macaroni, it’s a one-pot wonder, perfect for a cozy dinner. Plus, using a slow cooker makes it easy; you just set it and forget it until it’s time to eat!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This recipe is great for many reasons. First, it is simple to prepare, and you don’t need to be a chef to make it. Just gather the ingredients, and you’re good to go! The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully over several hours.

Second, it is hearty and filling. You get protein from the beef and beans, carbs from the macaroni, and plenty of vegetables. This makes it an all-in-one meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

Lastly, it has a great taste with just the right amount of spice. The chili powder and Worcestershire sauce add warmth without overwhelming the dish. This flavorful goulash sure to please your family and guests alike!

HOW TO MAKE Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You will need a few simple tools to make this perfect goulash:

• A large skillet for cooking the ground beef
• A 5-quart slow cooker
• A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
• A measuring cup for measuring liquids
• A knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90 percent lean)
• 4 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Mexican diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink. Make sure to break the beef into little crumbles while it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.

2. Transfer to Slow Cooker: After draining the fat, move the cooked beef to your slow cooker.

3. Add Other Ingredients: Now it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients. Stir in the Mexican diced tomatoes (with their juice), kidney beans, water, chopped onion, green pepper, red wine vinegar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, bouillon granules, basil, parsley, cumin, and pepper.

4. Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook for about 5-6 hours. This gives the flavors time to blend beautifully.

5. Add Macaroni: After about 5-6 hours, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook for another 30 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.

6. Serve: Your Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash is now ready. Stir it well and serve hot!

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HOW TO SERVE Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash

Serve the goulash hot in bowls. This dish goes well with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You can also top it with shredded cheese for extra flavor. It’s a great meal for family dinners or when you have friends over. Everyone will enjoy it!

STORAGE & FREEZING: Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored easily. Place the goulash in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

If you’d like to freeze it, ladle the goulash into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave space at the top because the goulash will expand as it freezes. When you want to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

You can serve this goulash in various ways. Here are some ideas to consider:

• With a side of garlic bread: The garlic flavor pairs nicely with the spices in the goulash.
• With a fresh salad: A cold salad adds a nice contrast to the hot goulash.
• Topped with cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella cheese melts perfectly over the hot dish.

VARIATIONS

Feel free to personalize your Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash! Here are some variations to try:

• Add veggies: You can throw in some corn or carrots for extra nutrition.
• Make it spicier: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
• Use different meat: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a leaner option.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
   Yes, you can! Just cook it on medium heat on the stove instead of in the slow cooker. Adjust the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes, stirring often.

2. Is the leftover goulash good for meal prep?
   Absolutely! It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store leftovers in containers.

3. Can I make this goulash vegetarian?
   Yes! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or more beans and omit the beef bouillon for a hearty vegetarian version.

4. What can I serve with goulash?
   Serve it with garlic bread, a side salad, or even over rice if you prefer.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow-Cooked Spicy Goulash

To make your cooking even easier, you can prepare some steps in advance. Here’s how:

• Chop the vegetables ahead of time: You can chop the onions and green pepper a day before and store them in the fridge.
• Pre-measure spices: Mix all the spices in a small container and keep them ready so you can just add them when it’s time to cook.
• Prep the beef: You can brown the ground beef ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.

By preparing these elements ahead of time, you can whip up this comforting dish with minimal effort. Enjoy your cooking!

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