Description
This Ghostly Ghoul-ash Recipe offers a spooky twist on a classic hearty goulash, perfect for a fun and festive meal. Ground beef is simmered with tomato sauce, bell peppers, corn, and fresh basil, served over fluffy potatoes and topped with ghost-shaped dollops of sour cream and olive eyes for a playful Halloween-themed dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced
To Serve
- 4 large potatoes (steamed and cubed or mashed)
- Sour cream (for ghosts)
- Sliced olives (for ghost eyes)
Instructions
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the Bell Pepper: Add the diced green bell pepper to the pan and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing it to soften.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-8 minutes, ensuring it is fully cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and frozen corn. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Add Fresh Basil: At the last minute, stir in the fresh minced basil for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the goulash over steamed, cubed, or mashed potatoes, or alternatively serve over cooked pasta if preferred.
- Make Sour Cream Ghosts: Place about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of sour cream in a zip-top bag, push it into one corner, and snip off the tip. Pipe little ghost shapes (approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons each) onto each serving of goulash.
- Add Olive Eyes: Place two olive slices on each sour cream ghost to create eyes, completing the spooky presentation.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables.
- Adjust the heat by increasing or omitting red pepper flakes.
- Using mashed potatoes creates a creamier base, while steamed cubes offer a chunkier texture.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note but can be substituted with dried basil if needed (use 1 teaspoon dried).
- Ensure ground beef is cooked thoroughly to reach safe internal temperature.
- Sour cream ghosts provide a playful Halloween decoration but can be omitted for a more traditional presentation.
