It always snows in April in Colorado. It just does. We have 80 degree days, and we get buried in snow on others. It’s just how we roll. I’ve been in Colorado for almost 10 years now, and I still get surprised when I see a snowflake in the forecast.
Last weekend was one of those weekends. The forecast called for 12-18 inches of snow… which meant my weekend called for organizing closets and eating comfort foods.
My mom used to make lots of goulash when I was little. I don’t think we called it that… but we sure at a lot of it. When I saw this recipe pop up on my pinterest, I wanted to try it. It was a great combination of a food that brought back memories mixed with yummy Mexican flavors. And, it was perfect for a snow day.
Skinny Southwestern Goulash
Adapted from Simply Nourished Living
Serves 8
INGREDIENTS
1 cup uncooked mini shell pasta
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 medium onion, diced
1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can corn, drained
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
1 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne (optional)
¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While the water is boiling and pasta is cooking, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, until the meat is no longer pink (about 6 minutes). Optional: Remove to a food processor and grind up the cooked meat.
3. In the same skillet set over medium heat, add onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes before re-adding the meat and cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, corn, chiles, cumin, pepper, cayenne, and salt. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a gentle simmer and continue to cook, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
6. Drain macaroni and add to the meat/vegetable mixture.
7. Stir in the cilantro and heat through. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, cumin, etc. to taste.
8. Serve and enjoy!
Per 1 1/3 cup serving:
CAL 302; FAT 9g; SAT FAT 1g; CARBS 38g; PROT 24g; FIB 7g; SUG 6g
WW Points+: 8 ; WW Smart Points: 8