Mom's Goulash

My dad was a truck driver and gone a lot, so when I was growing up, Mom tended to make things that would last us a couple days so she wouldn't have to cook as often. Goulash was one of her favorites and mine. She always kept it simple and stuck to the basics. So have I. It's quick, it's easy, and it's delicious!

2c elbow macaroni
1lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder (or minced garlic)
salt and pepper to taste

Cook the macaroni according to package directions in a large pot, keeping the pasta on the al dente side because they'll absorb some of the juice from the tomatoes and soften up. As the macaroni is cooking, brown the ground beef and onions together in a skillet. After you've drained the pasta, return it to the pot and add the hamburger and onion mixture. Add the tomatoes and seasonings and cook on medium until warm throughout. It's great by itself or with a side of veggies or bread sticks. You could also add cheese, mushrooms or chili beans, but I prefer to stick to the basic recipe.

Enjoy!