Cozy Goulash Cheese (Printable Recipe)

Ground beef, elbow macaroni, and melty cheddar come together for a filling, all-in-one dinner that warms you up.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main

01 - 100 g cheddar cheese, shredded
02 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
03 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - 2 bay leaves
06 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
07 - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
08 - 150 g dry macaroni noodles
09 - 425 g petite diced tomatoes with juices
10 - 425 g canned tomato sauce
11 - 600 ml beef broth
12 - 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
13 - 450 g ground beef (90% lean)
14 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
15 - 1 medium onion, chopped
16 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Hand out hot bowls. Sprinkle more cheese or herbs on top if that's your thing. Dive in while it's still steaming.
02 - Take the bay leaves out and toss 'em. Drop in the shredded cheese and stir till it's dreamy and gooey. Taste and see if you want a pinch more salt or pepper.
03 - Crank the heat back to medium-high. Dump in the dry macaroni and let it bubble uncovered, stirring here and there. Stop when noodles are just right and the mix thickens up.
04 - Now add your beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (don't toss the liquid), Worcestershire, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and the bay leaves. Mix it up. Let things boil, then turn it down low, pop the lid on, and let it go for 20 minutes.
05 - Toss in minced garlic and keep stirring. Let that awesome smell fill up the kitchen for about half a minute.
06 - Pour olive oil into a big pot and get it hot over medium-high. Start with the green bell pepper and onion. Add the ground beef. Keep things moving till all the pink's gone from the meat and everything's tender.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Aim for a cozy, saucy bite—not soupy or dried out. If things look thick, pour in some broth or a splash of water till it feels just right.