American Goulash Recipe - Chili Pepper Madness

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 large green bell pepper (diced (use 2-3 jalapeno peppers for a spicier version))
• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend (or use 2 teaspoons dried basil, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon rosemary, and 1 teaspoon thyme)
• 1 tablespoon paprika (I use hot paprika)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spicy – use more as desired)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 4 15-ounce cans fire roasted tomatoes (or use canned diced tomatoes)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• Hot sauce (to taste (optional, for spicy))
• 2 cups macaroni noodles (uncooked (elbow macaroni))
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded (or more to taste. Optional - you can use other melty cheeses if preferred))