In the Fridge, With a Fork

Mama's Goulash

This recipe brings me home. 

After a little too much red wine yesterday, and two relatively long runs (relative to the fact that I haven't run in about a month) this dish will fill my belly with some much needed love.

It is the perfect comfort food and a cinch to make. 
The only way to make it better? 
If my mom was here to make it for me. She makes it better...and I would have my best friend here to watch The Housewives of Beverly Hills with me.

Ingredients:

One lb. of ground beef, pork and veal mix

One onion, chopped
+-Four garlic cloves, chopped
3 carrots finely chopped

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small package of mushrooms, chopped 

1 small can of tomato paste

1 large can of San Marzano tomatoes, whole or diced

1 large can of San Marzano tomatoes, crushed

1/2 stick unsalted butter

1 cup Parmesan/Romano cheese
1/2 cup of sugar

salt and pepper

*Variations:
Add a tablespoon of crushed red pepper and/or use poblano peppers instead of bell peppers to add some kick.
Subtract the butter and cheese to make a lighter version
Double or triple mushrooms and subtract the meat for a vegetarian version

1 lb. bag of large rotini noodles, cooked and drained

Steps:

1. Brown meat in a large pot and drain if necessary (To make vegetarian, skip the meat and add extra mushrooms here and brown in pot)

2. Add chopped carrots, garlic and onions and cook until onions are translucent and the carrots are tender
3. Add peppers and mushrooms (unless you did this in step 1), and saute.  

4. Add tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper (and crushed red pepper if you are adding it)

5. Add the cooked noodles 

6. Add butter and cheese and stir together

7. Serve warm with your favorite bread and/or salad and extra Parmesan/Romano cheese

8. Put on Housewives of Beverly Hills and enjoy....or Toy Story for the five millionth time if your son is around....

*This recipe can sit for a while before serving. In fact, the longer it sits, the tastier it becomes. 

Oh, and for those who know me well, know that this dish served cold the next morning is very possibly my favorite meal of all time...as I eat it directly from the fridge with a fork. 
                                                         So sexy.