Southwestern Goulash

Searching for a quick, super easy, healthy meal? Look no further. I promise this is just as easy as making something from a box. Someone recently told me that I make some pretty strange things. I think she may be right (Hi Shereda!), so I decided to post a recipe that is a simple twist on a classic meal. This one is not strange, and it's super simple!

I made Southwestern Goulash tonight, a recipe which I found in my Taste of Home magazine. They've included an entire section of recipes in the December-January issue that are slimmed down, which is exactly the way I cook. If you like to cook, I suggest you pick up a copy of this month's magazine. They've divided the healthy meals section into recipes featuring beef, pork, seafood, poultry, and veggies. I've already tried two recipes, and I'm pleased with them. Here is the link to the recipe I tried tonight.

Southwestern Goulash

I made a few very small changes(a recipe is a guide, never a rule). One cup of macaroni did not sound like it was going to be nearly enough for this recipe, so I cooked 2 cups and then added half to see if I wanted to add more. I added about half of what was left, so, next time, I'll cook 1 1/2 C macaroni (use whole wheat if you can). I also initially added half the can of chilis. Ava is sensitive to spicy foods, so I didn't want to spice it up too much. I ended up using about 2/3 of the can. I would have enjoyed it with the whole can, but I expected Ava to love this recipe, so I kept it a little tame for her. I also did not have fresh cilantro, so I used a tablespoon of dried cilantro instead and added it when I added the other ingredients after browning the meat.

The next time I make this I will probably double the amount of corn in the dish.There was so little in the recipe that you barely noticed it as you were eating it, and I wanted just a little more flavor from the corn. Also, I served this with the option of putting a dollop of reduced fat sour cream and a little cheese on top, but it totally didn't need it. I tried it both ways, and it was delicious either way. The recipe says it makes 6 servings, and it was definitely accurate. We ate just over half of the pot tonight and will have leftovers for tomorrow's lunch.

If you give this a try, let me know. Three out of four of us loved it (which is what I expected). It is a rare recipe that pleases all four of us (uh-hem...Lukas...cough, cough). This was a perfect, warm meal on a cold, snowy night. I hope you try it!

I apologize for getting a photo of my finished dish. There is a photo of the recipe on the link.