Easy Mexican Goulash: A Flavorful One-Pot Wonder!

Are you craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both easy to make and satisfying? Look no further than this Easy Mexican Goulash! This recipe takes the classic comfort of goulash and gives it a vibrant Mexican twist with the addition of flavorful spices, beans, corn, and a hint of lime. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, and it’s customizable to suit your taste preferences.

## Why You’ll Love This Mexican Goulash

* **Easy to make:** This is a one-pot meal, meaning minimal cleanup! Just throw everything in a large pot or Dutch oven and let it simmer.
* **Packed with flavor:** The combination of ground beef, chili powder, cumin, and other spices creates a rich, savory flavor profile with a subtle kick.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to use different types of meat, beans, vegetables, and toppings.
* **Budget-friendly:** Goulash is a great way to stretch your food budget, as it uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, beans, and pasta.
* **Perfect for leftovers:** This goulash tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying as a quick lunch.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Ground Beef:** 1 pound. You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works well.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1, chopped. Any color bell pepper will work, but red or orange adds a touch of sweetness.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained.
* **Tomato Sauce:** 1 (15 ounce) can.
* **Beef Broth:** 4 cups. Low-sodium beef broth is recommended.
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons. Adjust to your spice preference.
* **Cumin:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. Dried oregano is fine.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** ¼ teaspoon (optional, for extra heat).
* **Elbow Macaroni:** 1 cup. You can use other small pasta shapes, such as ditalini or rotini.
* **Black Beans:** 1 (15 ounce) can, rinsed and drained.
* **Corn:** 1 (15 ounce) can, drained. Frozen corn can also be used.
* **Lime Juice:** 1 tablespoon. Freshly squeezed lime juice is preferred.
* **Toppings:** Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, salsa, tortilla chips.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Easy Mexican Goulash:

**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**

* In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
* Drain off any excess grease.

**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot with the ground beef.
* Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**Step 3: Add the Spices and Liquids**

* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) until the ground beef and vegetables are evenly coated.
* Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth.
* Stir well to combine.

**Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta**

* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
* Stir in the elbow macaroni.
* Continue to simmer, covered, for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Step 5: Add Beans, Corn, and Lime Juice**

* Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans and corn.
* Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
* Stir in the lime juice.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Mexican goulash hot, topped with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and salsa.
* Crushed tortilla chips add a nice crunch!

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to control the spice level. If you like it mild, omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a hotter chili powder.
* **Meat:** Feel free to substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. You can also use shredded cooked chicken or beef if you have leftovers.
* **Beans:** Kidney beans, pinto beans, or even white beans can be used instead of black beans.
* **Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or celery. Frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient option.
* **Pasta:** If you don’t have elbow macaroni, use another small pasta shape like ditalini, rotini, or small shells.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans or diced vegetables to make it vegetarian. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
* **Cheesy Goulash:** Stir in a cup of shredded cheese at the end for a creamier, cheesier goulash.
* **Slow Cooker Goulash:** You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the ground beef on the stovetop, then transfer it to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients (except the pasta and corn). Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the pasta and corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Instant Pot Goulash:** Brown the ground beef using the sauté function. Add the remaining ingredients (except the pasta, corn, and lime juice). Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quick release. Stir in the pasta and corn and cook for another 2 minutes or until pasta is done, followed by the lime juice.
* **Make it a Soup:** Add an extra 2 cups of beef broth for a soupier consistency.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Toppings:** The possibilities are endless! Some popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, salsa, pickled jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips.
* **Side Dishes:** Serve with a side of cornbread, a simple salad, or a dollop of guacamole.
* **Make it a Meal:** This goulash is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own. However, you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the goulash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together and become even more delicious!
* **Storage:** Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the goulash in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

## FAQs

**Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?**
A: Yes, you can use any small pasta shape, such as ditalini, rotini, or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

**Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding an extra can of beans or diced vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

**Q: How can I make this goulash spicier?**
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a hotter chili powder. You can also add a chopped jalapeño pepper to the pot when you sauté the vegetables.

**Q: Can I freeze this goulash?**
A: Yes, you can freeze this goulash for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: What are some good toppings for this goulash?**
A: Some popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, salsa, pickled jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips.

## Conclusion

This Easy Mexican Goulash is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, it’s a recipe you’ll be making again and again. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy this delicious one-pot wonder!

Enjoy!