American Goulash

Ingredients

• 450g (1 pound) ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 440g (2 cups) marinara sauce
• 475ml (2 cups) beef broth or water
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 411g (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 220g (8 oz) uncooked noodles
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Parmesan, optional, to serve
• Parsley, optional, to serve

Method

1. Heat a large deep frying pan or saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce, beef broth or water, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning and bay leaf.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Add the uncooked noodles and stir well.
8. Cover and simmer for approximately 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
9. Add a little more broth or water if the mixture becomes too dry before the noodles are cooked.
10. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
11. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.
12. Serve hot with optional Parmesan and chopped parsley.