American Goulash

By spend with pennies

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups marinara sauce (or tomato-based pasta sauce, approx. ½ of a 26 oz jar)
2 cups beef broth (or water (more as needed))
14 ounces canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 green bell pepper (diced, optional)
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 bay leaf (2 if they are small)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni noodles (uncooked, about 8 oz)
½ cup cheddar (or mozzarella cheese, shredded, optional)

Prep Time20mins
Cook Time50mins
Servings8

Instructions

In a large skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.

Add the marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, bell pepper (if using), Italian seasoning, & bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Add the elbow macaroni, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.

Remove & discard the bay leaf. Top with cheese if using, and replace the lid. Let rest for about 5 minutes or until the pasta has thickened and the cheese is melted.