Description
Crockpot Goulash is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. This slow cooker version of American goulash is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess grease.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
- Remove bay leaves and stir well. Top with shredded cheese and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- For a cheesy twist, stir cheese into the goulash before serving.
- Only add pasta near the end to avoid mushy texture.
- Let the goulash sit uncovered briefly if the sauce is too thin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
