Old-Fashioned Goulash (Easy One-Pot Comfort Food)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb ground beef, 80/20 blend recommended
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes, one large can
• 15 oz tomato sauce, one can
• 15 oz diced tomatoes, one can, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth, low sodium preferred
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika, sweet or smoked
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 bay leaves, removed before serving
• 2 cups elbow macaroni, dry, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional, for topping