1-Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients First, pull together the essentials: dice the onion and green bell pepper, measure out the garlic, and have the ground beef ready. This step, taking about 5 minutes, sets the stage for a seamless cook. Organizing ahead helps avoid any rush, making your quick preparation for goulash even more enjoyable.

2-Step 2: Cook the Base Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, as this accommodates the full volume of ingredients. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and 2 pounds of lean ground beef, stirring until the beef turns from pink to brown, which locks in the flavors. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and healthy, then toss in 3 teaspoons of minced garlic and cook until it smells amazing this only takes a minute or two.

3-Step 3: Build the Flavor Now, stir in the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves for that signature goulash taste. Don’t forget to add the macaroni noodles at this point, blending everything into one pot. This mix creates a simple ingredients for goulash that bubbles with goodness, ready for the next stage of cooking.

4-Step 4: Simmer and Finish Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle boil and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring now and then until the noodles turn tender. This step is key for an easy goulash recipe with simple ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. Finally, remove the bay leaves and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving to add a creamy touch that everyone loves.