Ghostly Ghoul-ash Recipe

Introduction:

Looking for a fun and festive way to celebrate Halloween with a comforting meal? This Ghostly Ghoul-ash puts a spooky twist on a classic goulash, making it perfect for the season. With hearty ground beef and a savory tomato sauce, topped with eerie sour cream ghosts, it’s sure to be a hit at your Halloween gathering.

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
• 4 large potatoes (steamed and cubed or mashed)
• Sour cream (for ghosts)
• Sliced olives (for ghost eyes)

Directions

1. 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 diced green bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
2. Brown the Meat:
   • Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-8 minutes.
3. Add Sauce and Simmer:
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and frozen corn. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • At the last minute, stir in the fresh basil.
4. Serve:
   • Spoon the goulash over baked, mashed, or steamed potatoes, or serve it over cooked pasta.
5. Make the Sour Cream Ghosts:
   • Place about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of sour cream in a zip-top bag and push it into one corner. Snip off the tip of the bag and pipe little ghost shapes (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) onto each serving of goulash.
   • Place two olive slices on each ghost to make eyes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy.
• Different Toppings: Use vegan sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute for regular sour cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover ghoul-ash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. You can also use a microwave-safe dish to reheat in the microwave.

10 FAQs

1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can make the goulash in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
2. What can I use instead of potatoes?
   • You can serve the ghoul-ash over pasta, rice, or even quinoa if you prefer.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
   • Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a bit of hot sauce to the mixture.
4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
   • Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
5. What if I don’t like olives?
   • You can skip the olives or use small pieces of another ingredient to create eyes, like capers.
6. How do I make the sour cream ghosts?
   • Pipe small ghost shapes using a zip-top bag with sour cream and add olive slices as eyes.
7. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
   • Yes, just ensure that any pasta or other ingredients used are gluten-free.
8. Can I add more vegetables?
   • Absolutely! Feel free to include additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or carrots.
9. How do I adjust the seasoning?
   • Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Add more spices if desired.
10. What’s a good side dish with this meal?
    • Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Ghostly Ghoul-ash is a playful and delicious twist on a traditional goulash, perfect for Halloween or any cozy fall dinner. With its hearty flavor and spooky sour cream ghosts, it’s a dish that combines comfort with festive fun. Easy to make in just 30 minutes, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a seasonal favorite. Enjoy this spooky delight with family and friends!

Print