While the water is boiling and pasta is cooking, prepare the ground beef and vegetables.
In a large skillet set over medium heat, cook the beef and onion, stirring and breaking up the meat into small crumbles, until meat is no longer pink, about 6 minutes.
Stir in the tomatoes, corn, tomato sauce, chilies, cumin, pepper and salt. Bring to a boil then lower the heat to a gentle simmer and continue to cook, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Drain macaroni and add to the meat/vegetable mixture.
Stir in the cilantro and heat through. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, cumin, etc. to taste.
Recipe Notes
Substitutions and Variations
I increased the corn from ⅔ to 1 cup and the cumin from ½ to 1 teaspoon, which was just right for us.
I used extra-lean ground beef, but ground turkey, chicken or pork would also work. As would chopped mushrooms or soy crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Spicier? Increase cumin, add taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, chili powder or ground red pepper (cayenne).
More flavor? Stir in a splash or two or Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or tomato paste.
Heartier? For more heartiness you could add a can of drained and rinsed black beans.
Not a fan of cilantro? Substitute chopped fresh green onions.
Cheesy? Stir in or top with a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese (Reduced fat if calories/WW Points are a concern)
Creamier? Top with a dollop of low fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
Substitute whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
Serving size: 1-¾ cupsClick here to see your WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site.5*SmartPoints (Green plan)4*SmartPoints (Blue plan)4*SmartPoints (Purple plan)6*PointsPlus (Old plan)Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch
Nutrition Facts
Southwestern Goulash with Corn
Amount Per Serving (1 -¾ cups)
Calories 224Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Carbohydrates 24g8%
Fiber 4g16%
Protein 19g38%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.