Basic Ground Beef American Goulash

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 lb

ground chuck

1 1/2 cups

chopped onion

1 tbsp

minced garlic

1/2 tbsp

dried Italian seasoning

1 tsp

kosher salt , or to taste

1/2 tsp

freshly cracked black pepper , or to taste

1 tsp

seasoned salt (like Lawry's ), or to taste

1/2 tsp

Cajun seasoning (like Slap Ya Mama ), or to taste, optional

1 1/2 cups

water or beef stock/broth

1 14.5 ounce can

diced tomatoes , undrained

small bay leaves

1 1/2 cups

dry elbow macaroni