stovetop essentials: goulash - american style

How To Make stovetop essentials: goulash - american style

• 
  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
• 
  Step 2
  Ingredient Notes:
• 
  Step 3
  Italian Seasoning There are a lot of Italian seasoning in the stores. If you want to try a homemade one from my Aunt Josephine, here you go: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/italian-essentials-aunt-josephine-s-seasoning-mix.html In addition, if you have any other spices that float your boat, give them a go. Beef Stock If you noticed from my recipes, when I am making things like soups, stews, and casseroles (to name a few), I usually prefer using stocks over broths. Stocks have a deeper, richer flavor than broths and have an almost silky-smooth mouthfeel. I try to make my own; however, in a pinch, I do use Better Than Boullion, and if you want to spend a bit more, you could try More Than Gourmet - Classic French Demi-Glace. There are, of course, other store-bought varieties out there, and you might find something else that suits your tastes. If you want to try your hand at homemade, here you go: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/soup/beef-soup/hearty-beef-stock.html The Protein I am using lean ground beef, which is traditional for this dish; however, there is nothing wrong with trying something different. For example, you could go 50/50, beef and pork. Or you could use ground chicken, white or dark meat. I made it once with oxtails, and it was fantastic. Have some fun with it… As a matter of fact, you could leave the protein out altogether.
• 
  Step 4
  Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 
  Step 5
  Add the oil to a large pot over medium heat, and add the ground beef. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon, and when it begins to lose its red color, add the onions and garlic, then stir for about 8 – 10 minutes, until the onions have softened and the beef is cooked.
• 
  Step 6
  If you notice that the beef has produced a lot of fat, try to spoon most of it out before continuing. If you are using 80/20 lean beef, you should not have this problem.
• 
  Step 7
  Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, beef stock, Italian seasoning, red pepper, and any other spices you choose and stir.
• 
  Step 8
  If you are adding additional veggies, add them now.
• 
  Step 9
  Take the pot to a slow boil and stir for about 2 – 3 minutes.
• 
  Step 10
  Lower the heat to a simmer, then add the pasta.
• 
  Step 11
  Slowly simmer for 10 – 12 minutes, until the pasta is fully cooked.
• 
  Step 12
  Stir the pot occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
• 
  Step 13
  Remove from the heat. If you are using the shredded cheddar (or other cheeses), stir it into the pot, and cover for about 2 minutes.
• 
  Step 14
  PLATE/PRESENT
• 
  Step 15
  Serve while still nice and hot with crusty buttered bread and maybe a side salad. Enjoy.
• 
  Step 16
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
• 
  Step 17
  Namasté
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!