Making Grandma’s Goulash is simple and rewarding. Follow these easy steps:

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the Liquids: Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato sauce to the pot. Stir to combine.
4. Add the Pasta: Pour in the elbow macaroni and stir. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
5. Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend the spices into the mixture.
6. Bring to a Boil: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
7. Check Consistency: If the mixture appears too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
8. Add Cheese: If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the goulash. Cover the pot again for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
9. Garnish: Once everything is cooked and cheese is melted, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

With these straightforward steps, you will have a pot of comforting goulash ready to serve!