Goulash

My Grandma and my Mom both made Goulash when I was a child, so I guess it’s probably a “comfort food” for me. It’s hot, hardy, delicious, and a little sweet. Really hits the spot on a fall or winter evening. There are a lot of different types of goulash. Some folks will argue that by “hungarian goulash” terms this isn’t a goulash at all. However, I guess this is “hillbilly goulash” because…this is what we ate in Kentucky when I was a kid, and in my house still today. When I first calculated the calories after coming up with a “slimmed down” recipe, i was excited to see just how calorie friendly it actually can be. Serve with a mixed green salad with lite dressing if you want.

Ingredients:
-1 lb lean beef (i use Laura’s lean, 97% ff)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 green bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can of tomato sauce (about 1.5 cups)
– 1 can of diced tomatoes (about 1 1/2 cups)
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp (or 3 packets) of splenda (you can use more brown sugar, but I used splenda in the calories)
– 1 tsp paprika
– salt and pepper to taste

– 8 oz of barilla elbow macarroni noodles

Directions:
1. brown beef, onions and peppers together until done. Drain fat. At same time boil noodles al dente.

2. Add noodles to beef, then add all other ingredients.

3. Cook on medium until noodles are soft and flavors are well blended.

4. Divide equal portions into a bowl, and enjoy!

4 Servings= 430 Calories per serving

Note: I know it sounds crazy, but sometimes my Granny would add a can of pineapple tidbits or chunks to this recipe. If you’re feeling a little culinary-adventurous, go ahead…drain a can of pineapple and dump it in there 🙂

Tags: comfort food, diet comfort food, low calorie goulash