Tonight's dinner: American goulash, or as we just call it here in the States, "goulash". Unlike the original, which hails from Hungary and is more of a beef stew ladled over noodles, American goulash is a one-pot ground beef and macaroni dish. And while my mom's will always be the best version and have a special spot in my heart (hers is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, features large chunks of canned stewed tomatoes, and is ALWAYS accompanied by applesauce), this recipe from Chef John was also amazing. To me, it tasted like a homemade Hamburger Helper, and so when I can make this in roughly the same amount of time, why would I ever want to make the boxed stuff again? Just serve this as Chef John grew up eating it in his school cafeteria, with buttered white bread and a glass of milk, and this is all you'll need to fill your tummy and warm your soul. Yum, yum! Thanks, Chef! Chef John’s American Goulash 1 T. olive oil 1 onion, diced 1 lb. ground beef 1 t. minced garlic 1/4 t. pepper 1 t. salt 1 t. Italian seasoning A pinch of cayenne 1 T. paprika 1 bay leaf 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup diced tomatoes 12 oz. (1 1/2 cups) marinara sauce 1/2 cup water 1 T. soy sauce 1 cup elbow macaroni 1 t. + 1 T. dried Italian parsley (or 1/4 cup fresh) 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ground beef and cook, breaking the meat into small pieces, until browned and all the liquid has evaporated and the bottom of the pan is dry. Add the garlic, seasonings, and bay leaf. Cook and stir until flavors come together, about 3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, water, and soy sauce. Let simmer on medium for 15-20 minutes. Increase the heat to high and add the macaroni. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until just barely tender, 10-12 minutes. Remove goulash from heat. Discard bay leaf. Stir in the parsley and cheddar cheese. Cover and let rest for five minutes. Taste and season as desired. #FeedingCreatively #FoodWishes #OnePotDinners #ComfortFood #AmericanGoulash https://www.instagram.com/p/CMGwH5cAVwg/?igshid=31agyct1kdpn