SPICY GOULASH KICKED UP!

Spicy Goulash Kicked Up! image

Provided by Dawn Whitted

Categories Beef

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 18

4 c cavatappi, elbow or shell pasta
1/2 lb ground beef, lean
2 Tbsp italian sausage, hot, mild or sweet
2 Tbsp olive oil, extra virgin
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 medium carrot, peeled & diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can(s) stewed tomatoes, italian-style
2 can(s) tomato soup
2 Tbsp italian seasoning blend
1 tsp garlic salt
1 1/2 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 can(s) water to thin soup slightly into a sauce
1 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese
3 Tbsp pickled jalapeno - optional**

Steps:

1. Bring 3 qts. salted water to a rolling boil and add pasta. Stir, cover and cook pasta until al dente (approximately 9 minutes) I like using cavatappi a/k/a callentani pasta it's a more hearty pasta that holds onto the sauce better and it looks pretty too.
2. Meanwhile in a large skillet thoroughly brown ground beef & sausage. Move browned meat to the edges or one side of your skillet.
3. In the center of the skillet add 1-2 T. olive oil if necessary then add diced onion, bell pepper, carrot and saute for 2-3 minutes until onion turns translucent.
4. Add garlic and saute for a few seconds and add the remaining ingredients except the cheese, allow to simmer for approximately 5-10 minutes. **Kick it up more by adding 2-3 T pickled jalepeno rings sliced or diced
5. Drain pasta and add it to a 9 x 13 casserole dish and pour the meat sauce mixture over the pasta. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes to allow flavors to meld together and sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Remove from oven and top with cheese and let stand for 5-10 minutes to allow cheese to melt.
7. Serve with corn casserole (check out Rene Palmer's recipe), french garlic bread and a fresh green salad.