Easy Goulash Recipe

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add the diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and lean ground beef. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables begin to soften.

3. 3

   Drain any excess fat from the pot, then return the pot to the stovetop over medium heat.

4. 4

   Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.

   Start 30-second timer
5. 5

   Pour in the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, and Italian seasoning.

6. 6

   Add the bay leaves and uncooked macaroni noodles, then stir thoroughly so the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

7. 7

   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a light boil. Stir occasionally and cook for about 20 minutes, until the macaroni is tender and the sauce has thickened. The finished goulash should be thick rather than soup-like.

   Start 20-minute timer
8. 8

   Remove and discard the bay leaves.

9. 9

   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving, allowing it to melt into the hot goulash. Serve immediately.