Grandma's American Goulash (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
05 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
06 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
08 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
10 - 1/2 tsp paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp salt
12 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
13 - 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
15 - Fresh parsley, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until meat is browned and onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
02 - Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens. Add a splash of water or broth if it gets too thick.
05 - Once the pasta is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning. If using cheese, sprinkle cheddar over the top, cover for a few minutes to let it melt, or stir it in for a creamy finish.
06 - Scoop into bowls and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a green salad.

# Notes:

01 - Make it heartier: Add chopped bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms when cooking the onions.
02 - Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day! Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
03 - Freezer-friendly: Cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 3 months.