Goulash

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, diced

3  pounds lean ground beef

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons kosher salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste

2 tablespoons paprika

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

2 bay leaves

1 quart chicken broth

1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce

1 cup water

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 cups elbow macaroni

¼ cup chopped Italian parsley

2 cup shredded white Cheddar cheese (Optional)

Directions

Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and ground beef. Cook, breaking the meat into small pieces, until browned, about 5 minutes. Cook and stir until liquid is evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes more. Add garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne, paprika, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves.

Cook and stir until flavors come together, about 3 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce. Rinse out the jar with 1 cup water and pour into the pot. Add soy sauce, stir, and bring soup to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and simmer to let flavors intensify, about 30 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and bring soup to a simmer. Add macaroni; simmer, stirring occasionally, until just barely tender, about 12 minutes. Check for doneness after 10 minutes. Remove goulash from heat. Discard bay leaves; stir in parsley and Cheddar cheese. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes. Taste and season as desired. 12 Servings.