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10/8/12

Frugal and Family Friendly: Goulash or Spaghetti - pasta optional


Although I considered taking a photo of this recipe once it was made, I have to be completely honest and tell you it was so good, I did not care to stop eating and get my camera.  I ate it up, knowing full well I'd regret not having a photo to share with my readers but I just didn't care.  It was that good.  

It was the first chilly Autumn afternoon here and this was the perfect meal to whip up on a Saturday afternoon and let simmer and then warm until we were ready to eat about an hour later.  It's filling and healthy and oh-so-good.   It's also a recipe you can make more or less of easily by doubling for a large family.  Affordable.  And can be served over hot pasta with a side of buttered breads for those who love good, filling food like Grandma makes.  For those of us currently not eating grains or sugar - leave out the pasta and bread.  Just eat a big bowl of this!  It's like a thick, delicious spaghetti sauce or perhaps reminiscent of the goulash your parents or grandparents made. 

While my husband was eating this he put in a request that I make it again already this week!  And I agree.  I made this up and I don't have a name for it, but it's 'Almost' Spaghetti or 'Almost' Goulash so that is what I'm calling it.  It's about 4-5 servings and will be about 20-23 carbs because of the vegetables. 



Almost Goulash 
Almost Spaghetti

1 lb. ground beef
2 cloves garlic, chopped or minced
1 small onion
1 small bell pepper - (green, yellow or orange)
3 oz. tomato paste with 8 oz. water
1 T Splenda
1 T Italian Seasoning
1 can mushrooms or about  3/4 c sliced fresh
1/4 t red pepper flakes
15 oz. diced tomatoes, or diced fresh tomatoes - about a cup
salt and pepper
Olive oil


Place about 2 - 3 T oil in a pan and saute the onion, pepper and mushrooms until the onions are soft and translucent.  Add the ground beef and continue cooking and breaking apart until browned.  Drain off the excess fat and liquid.   Add the rest of the ingredients and continue to simmer for about 20 minutes or so. For those not doing low carb or for children, serve this over hot, cooked macaroni.  For those doing low-carb serve as is.   Print Friendly and PDF