Just made one of my childhood meals and it was just as good as I remember. We always called it goulash, but that’s probably not a great name for it 
I boiled the elbow noodles and saved some of the water. I cooked the ground beef with Italian seasoning, onion and garlic powder, garlic salt, and pepper. I put the noodles back in the pot once I drained them, added the meat, and a can of petite diced tomatoes, juice and all, plus a little more salt, pepper, and italian seasoning. I added a few tablespoons of the pasta water too. Mix it up and enjoy! I think it can be adjusted based on your noodle type and the kind of tomatoes you buy too
Italian-style Goulash with Elbow Noodles
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, with juice
- Salt, to taste
- Extra Italian seasoning, for added flavor
- 2-3 tablespoons reserved pasta water
Instructions:
- Cook Elbow Noodles:
- Boil the elbow noodles according to the package instructions. Reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the pasta water before draining.
- Season and Cook Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the cooked beef with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Return the drained elbow noodles to the pot.
- Add the seasoned ground beef to the noodles.
- Pour in the can of petite diced tomatoes, including the juice, to the pot.
- Sprinkle extra salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Moisten with Pasta Water:
- Pour 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water into the pot. This helps to create a cohesive and slightly saucy texture.
- Mix and Heat:
- Gently mix all the ingredients in the pot until well combined. Make sure the flavors meld together.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to marry. Stir occasionally.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the goulash and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning based on your preference.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Dish out the Italian-style goulash into bowls and serve immediately. It pairs well with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preferred noodle type or the type of tomatoes you have on hand. Enjoy this comforting and nostalgic meal!
