Baked Mexican Goulash – A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
Looking to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s both comforting and exciting? Baked Mexican Goulash is the answer! This hearty and flavorful twist on a classic recipe combines the savory goodness of traditional goulash with the vibrant and zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Goulash:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sliced black olives, sliced green onions, and sour cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Veggies:
- Add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic to the cooked ground beef. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Sauce:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, and then add the chili powder and ground cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Cook Pasta:
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just slightly undercooked. Drain.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta and corn kernels to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the goulash mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through.
- Add Cheese Topping:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the goulash. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly.
- Garnish your Baked Mexican Goulash with optional toppings like sliced black olives, sliced green onions, and sour cream.
Cook’s Notes:
- Customize with Heat: If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the goulash.
- Make it Vegetarian: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by using meatless crumbles or substituting with extra veggies.
Baked Mexican Goulash is a delightful fusion of flavors that marries the beloved goulash with the bold and spicy elements of Mexican cuisine. It’s a filling and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. So, why wait? It’s time to bring this fantastic dish to your dinner table and savor a taste of culinary excitement.
