Old Fashioned Goulash!

Well it's back to school after winter break and that means I need easy, delicious meals for the busy weekdays. As we get into the coldest part of the year, warm, comfort food is also needed. Luckily for me, our family has a variety of tastes so there are a bunch of meals that fit the bill. A perfect fit for this week, since we haven't had it in a while and I happened to have almost everything for it, was old fashioned goulash. What I love about this meal is it is made all in one pot and has a ton of flavor. I also get to sneak in a couple fresh veggies, which I love as the kids don't even notice. With the couple of extras I've added to this over time, it makes it a family comfort food favorite - in fact the kids were super excited when they found out it was for dinner! Make this the next time you want easy comfort food and your family will be sure to ask for it again!

What's cooking in my kitchen this week:
Old fashioned goulash

What you'll need:
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
3 tsp garlic, minced
1 white onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, dicecd
2 1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup water
1 stick butter, divided in half
2 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp Italian seaoning
1 Tbsp chili powder
3 bay leaves
1 Tbsp seasoned salt
1/2 Tbsp ground black pepper
1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 1/2 cup shredded cheese
1/4 cup milk

How to make it:
First, you'll need to mince up the garlic and dice up the onion and green bell pepper and set to the side.

Next, in a large pot saute ground beef over medium-high heat until half cooked.

Then add 1/2 stick butter, garlic, onion, and green bell pepper and continue cooking until meat is fully cooked.

Then add beef broth, water, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, chili powder, bay leaves, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper and stir to mix around and incorporate everything.

Lower heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for  about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves.

Add uncooked macaroni to pot and stir well.

Cover again and simmer for about 30 minutes. Add cheese, milk, and 1/2 stick butter and stir until cheese and butter are melted.

Serve and enjoy!

Did you know?
On this day in 1839, Indian tea became available in Britain for the first time. Up until this time only tea from China had been available, and that was very expensive. The development and import of Indian tea brought the price down so all could afford it, and it quickly became the national drink.