If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful dish that feels like a big hug in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Goulash is just what you need. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with tender ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and plenty of savory spices. Best of all, it’s made in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while it simmers away, filling your home with irresistible smells. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping, this goulash is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Goulash is one of those comfort food classics that never goes out of style. It’s like a big bowl of everything you love—ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and cheese—all cooked together into a deliciously rich, flavorful stew. The slow cooker does all the work, so it’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time. Plus, it’s a family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will love. It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and comforting without being too heavy.
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients is at the bottom!)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet satisfying goulash:
- Ground beef (or ground turkey)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth (or chicken broth)
- Elbow macaroni
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
The best part about this recipe is that it uses pantry staples and basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s hearty without being complicated!
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through and browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker. This step helps give the goulash that rich, meaty flavor. If you’re using ground turkey, you can skip the draining step since it tends to have less fat.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Tomatoes
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the slow cooker with the ground beef. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce. Pour in the beef broth to create the base for the goulash. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Goulash
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, and the meat will get even more tender.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before the goulash is done cooking, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir it into the sauce and let it cook in the flavorful broth. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to make sure the pasta cooks through. Make sure to stir it occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the shredded cheese. You can use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever cheese you like best. Stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the goulash, making it even creamier and more delicious.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cheese is melted and the goulash is bubbly and thick, it’s time to serve! Dish it out into bowls and top with additional cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream if you’d like. Pair it with some crusty bread for dipping, and you’re all set!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Ground beef or turkey: While ground beef is the classic choice, you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Just make sure to drain any excess fat if you’re using a fattier meat.
- Cooking time: If you’re cooking on high, be sure to keep an eye on the pasta. It may cook faster, so check after about 2.5 to 3 hours to ensure it doesn’t get mushy.
- Adjusting the consistency: If you like your goulash a little more soupy, feel free to add a little more broth or water after adding the pasta. For a thicker, more casserole-like consistency, keep it as-is.
- Stir the pasta: When adding the pasta, make sure to stir it in well so it’s coated with the sauce. This helps it cook evenly and absorb all that delicious flavor.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different pasta: While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can swap it for other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type of pasta you choose.
- Add veggies: For a more nutritious goulash, add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add them in with the onions and garlic so they have time to cook and soften.
- Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce. This will give your goulash a nice spicy kick without overwhelming the flavors.
- Make it vegetarian: If you want to make this goulash vegetarian, swap the ground meat for extra beans (like kidney beans or black beans) and add more vegetables to make up for the missing protein.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Goulash is a hearty meal all on its own, but it also pairs well with a few side dishes:
- Garlic bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the goulash. Plus, who doesn’t love a little extra bread on the side?
- Green salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the goulash. Try a simple arugula or spinach salad with some cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette.
- Roasted vegetables: For a healthy side, try roasting some veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. Their natural sweetness complements the savory goulash perfectly.
- Pickles or olives: If you want to add a bit of tang to your meal, serve the goulash with a side of pickles or olives. The sharpness cuts through the richness of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which you probably will, because this recipe makes a lot!), you’re in luck. Slow Cooker Goulash keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container.
To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or warm it up in a pot on the stove. If the goulash has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up before reheating. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy it later on a busy night when you don’t feel like cooking.
4 FAQs
- Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes! You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Just be sure to keep an eye on the pasta to make sure it doesn’t overcook. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the slow cooker the night before, then store it in the fridge overnight. Just turn it on in the morning, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready when you get home. - Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat pasta works great in this recipe. Just note that it might absorb a bit more liquid, so you might need to add a little extra broth. - What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, use a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. You could also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to enhance the flavor.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Goulash is the ultimate in comfort food: rich, savory, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd (or enjoying leftovers the next day). Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for the family, this goulash is a winner every time. Give it a try and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting—it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!
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Slow Cooker Goulash: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low), 3 hours 15 minutes (on high)
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Goulash is a hearty, flavorful comfort food made with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and savory spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, and the slow cooker does all the work!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir it in and cook until the pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese and allow it to melt.
- Serve hot with additional cheese or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Notes
- If you want a spicier goulash, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- For a leaner version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- If using frozen chicken broth, be sure to thaw it before adding to the slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg