Easy Goulash

I was not sure what to make for dinner one night. I looked in the pantry and found exactly what I needed to make goulash. This is so easy and quick.

What you need:

• 2 lb. hamburger
• 1 box of medium shells pasta
• 3 cans of petite diced tomatoes
• 1 package of 5 Italian cheese (optional)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Start boiling your water for the pasta. Be sure to add a little salt to the water to prevent sticking. Bring to a boil before you add the pasta.

Brown your hamburger. Before it starts to turn brown I sprinkle the onion and garlic powder all over...this is an important part of the flavor. You could add a chopped onion and garlic to the hamburger if you prefer to do that. I like to save time by using the powder. You could use ground turkey, but you want some fat for flavor and to keep it from drying out. Drain the hamburger.

Return to heat and add all of the tomatoes (do not drain). I like to add salt and pepper to taste on top of the tomatoes before mixing them in.

Mix tomatoes in with hamburger and let simmer for a few minutes until hot.

Drain pasta once done. If you choose the option to bake in the oven, do not fully cook....leave a little bite.

At this point, you are done if you wish to serve it as is. I choose to go one step further and add cheese and bake it all together.

I mix the hamburger and tomato mixture with the pasta in an 8 x 10 baking dish. I just happen to have this foil pan available.

I had Italian Five Cheese on hand so I used that to top the goulash. You could use mozarella or any Italian cheese you choose.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until all the cheese is melted and starting to turn brown.

Dinner is served! Easy breezy!

ENJOY!