Dinner Tonight: Goulash

In this part of the world, one man's goulash is another man's Beef-a-roni.

Lois Harder, of Oak Harbor, sends in "a very good tasting, easy, and quick recipe" that leans more toward the Beef-a-roni-style goulash than the Hungarian.

Goulash

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 onion, chopped

14 ounces mashed tomatoes

1 1/2 cups water

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/8 teaspoon basil

1/8 teaspoon thyme

1 cup elbow macaroni

1 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon sugar

Heat oil to shimmering in a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add meat, onion, and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until meat is brown. Add remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil. Cover and lower heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender but firm, about 15 minutes.

-- Lois Harder

Got a fast and healthy recipe you wish to share? Send it to food@theblade.com or Dinner Tonight, The Blade, 541 N. Superior St., Toledo, OH 43660.