When the witching hour is near and hungry ghosts and goblins gather, a cauldron of Ghoulish Goulash is just what the warlock ordered. This hauntingly hearty dish is loaded with savory meats, ghostly veggies, and spine-chilling spices, making it a last-minute lifesaver for any Halloween gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 2 cups Halloween-themed pasta (like ghost or pumpkin-shaped pasta)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for topping
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground meat over medium heat until cooked through.
- Drain excess fat, if necessary.
- Adding Vegetables:
- Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the veggies are softened.
- Creating the Goulash:
- Add the diced tomatoes, broth, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cooking the Pasta:
- In a separate pot, cook the Halloween-themed pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and stir it into the goulash mixture.
- Final Touches:
- Taste the goulash and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs if desired.