Old Fashioned Goulash (Printer-Friendly)

Savory beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and cheddar combine in a warm, hearty American classic.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 pound elbow macaroni

→ Protein

02 - 2 pounds ground beef

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauces and Canned Goods

05 - 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
06 - 2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
09 - 2 teaspoons salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Dairy

11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
02 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it lightly, and cook the elbow macaroni for 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over high heat, add ground beef and chopped onions. Break the meat apart and cook until browned, about 6 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
04 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
05 - Stir in Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Mix well, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
06 - Fold the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture until evenly combined.
07 - If your skillet is oven-safe, place it in the preheated oven, otherwise transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is bubbling.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For optimal flavor, salt the pasta water and brown the beef thoroughly to develop a rich taste.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
03 - Reheat in the microwave at 80% power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.