WoodShed Goulash

WoodShed Goulash sounds like a hearty, rustic dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for a satisfying family meal. It’s not a widely known recipe by name, but it’s often associated with a variation of American-style goulash or a hearty stew that could include rich, flavorful ingredients like beef, vegetables, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce. The “WoodShed” name might suggest a campfire or cozy, cabin-style cooking, evoking the feeling of comfort food.

Here’s a WoodShed Goulash recipe that captures the essence of this type of rustic, filling meal:

WoodShed Goulash Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or use a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika is great for extra depth)

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, but adds great umami)

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

• 2 cups beef broth (or water for a lighter version)

• 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni or any small pasta

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (optional, for garnish)

• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meat:

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (and pork, if using) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

   • Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

   • Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

   • Add the paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.

4. Simmer the Sauce:

   • Pour in the beef broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together.

5. Cook the Pasta:

   • Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir. Let it cook in the sauce, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes (or until the pasta is tender and fully cooked). If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thick and flavorful, remove the pot from heat.

   • For extra indulgence, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the goulash and let it melt before serving.

   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bit of freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this hearty WoodShed Goulash with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

• A simple green salad or some steamed vegetables would pair perfectly to balance out the richness.

Tips:

• Meat Variations: You can substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or use a combination of meats like beef and sausage for extra flavor.

• Cheese Add-ins: Feel free to stir in some mozzarella or other melty cheeses right into the dish for an extra cheesy version.

• Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, skip the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

This WoodShed Goulash is the perfect comfort food, especially for cooler days or when you want something that’s easy to make but feels like home. Let me know if you plan to make it—are you adding any personal twists to the recipe?