Grandma’s American Goulash

A creamy pasta dish with American ground beef that has been cooked to flavorful perfection.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 large white onion, diced
  
• 2 1/2 cups water
  
• 1/2 cup beef broth
  
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  
• 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
  
• 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
  
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  
• 3 bay leaves
  
• 2 1/2 cups cavatelli pasta
  
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  
• salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Stirring the ingredients together and breaking up the meat as you go, cook the ground beef until it is browned and well cooked in a dutch oven that has been heated to medium-high heat. Return the mixture to the pot after draining.
   
2. Add the bay leaves, Italian spice, both tomatoes, water, broth, and all of the tomatoes. So that the mixture simmers, lower the heat. With the lid on, cook for 20 minutes while stirring occasionally.
   
3. Add the pasta, cover, and simmer for a further 30 minutes, stirring periodically, or until the pasta is thoroughly cooked.
   
4. Salt and pepper to taste, then take out the bay leaves. Add the mozzarella cheese and mix thoroughly.
   
5. Serve right now by ladling into dishes and adding the shredded cheddar on top.