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Game for Goulash

We all need some comfort food these days! This goulash recipe is easy and packed with flavor to make everyone in your household say yummmmm! 

I used ground elk meat, a special gift from my father, but you can use any ground red meat! 


Special Tips:
  • When using ground game meat, remember it is very lean. Always add in some fat like butter when pan frying to allow the meat to brown without drying out and giving your dish just a little more yummm!
Serves: 2-3

Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground red meat (venison, elk, or beef will work great!)
  • 1-2 tbs butter if using game meat
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1/2 green bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 14.5 oz canned tomato sauce
  • 1 tbs Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pepper to taste
  • 4 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked

Directions:
  1. Add ground meat, onion, and green pepper to a large dutch oven. Add butter if using game meat
  2. Brown meat and veggies (5-7 minutes)
  3. 1-2 minutes before meat is done, add the garlic by doing the following:
    • Make a small hole in the center of the dutch oven with a spoon or spatula between the meat and veggies so the bottom of the dutch oven can be seen. 
    • Add the garlic to the hole and saute for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, then mix in with meat and veggies
  4. Drain excess fat, if any. You may not have excess fat if using game meat.
  5. Return dutch oven to high heat
  6. Add remaining ingredients: water, tomato sauce, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce
  7. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes
  8. Add the uncooked macaroni, mix well, cover
  9. Simmer for an additional 20 minutes, occasionally stirring
  10. Enjoy immediately!

Extra Love:
  • If your sauce gets too thick, add small amounts of beef broth or beef stock
  • Add a 1/8 tsp of cayenne pepper at Step 6 for a kick!
  • Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort food
  • Serve with a delicious, crusty bread for extra comfort (recipe coming soon!)
  • Double the recipe to make it family sized!

Inspired by: Dinner then Dessert

As always, cook with love.

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