Crockpot Goulash – Easy Hearty Comfort Food

Crockpot Goulash is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines tender ground beef, colorful vegetables, and tender elbow macaroni in a rich tomato-based sauce. This easy Crockpot Goulash recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, low-fat, family-friendly dinner that simmers slowly to develop deep flavor. Ground beef is browned and combined with onions, garlic, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, then slow-cooked until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully. Uncooked elbow macaroni is added toward the end to absorb the sauce, creating a satisfying, cohesive dish. Optionally, a topping of shredded cheddar cheese adds richness and a melty finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings, this Crockpot Goulash is simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.

Introduction

Goulash is the ultimate comfort food: warm, hearty, and satisfying. This Crockpot Goulash recipe brings all the familiar flavors of traditional American goulash with minimal effort. The slow cooker allows the flavors of beef, vegetables, and seasonings to meld together over hours, creating a deep, rich sauce.

By adding uncooked elbow macaroni toward the end, the pasta cooks perfectly in the sauce, absorbing all the savory goodness. Optional cheddar cheese adds a creamy, melty layer that makes each bite even more comforting.

Whether you’re feeding a family, planning leftovers for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this Crockpot Goulash is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers satisfying, hearty flavors with minimal hands-on time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-Fat Comfort Food: Savory beef and vegetables in a hearty tomato sauce.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in the crockpot.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love the simple, rich flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping in the morning and enjoying later.
• Customizable: Add extra vegetables or spice to suit your taste.
• Freezer-Friendly: Easy to make in bulk and store for future meals.

Ingredients Breakdown

Yield: 6 servings
Serving Size: 1 cup

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

Optional Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Skillet for browning beef
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or spatula for stirring

Optional:

• Grater for cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown Ground Beef
   In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink.
2. Transfer to Crockpot
   Drain any excess fat and move the cooked beef to the crockpot.
3. Add Vegetables
   Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the crockpot with the beef.
4. Combine Sauce Ingredients
   Stir in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.
5. Cook Slowly
   Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
6. Add Pasta
   About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
7. Finish Cooking Pasta
   Cover again and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, until pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir once halfway through if possible.
8. Adjust Seasoning
   Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.
9. Add Cheese (Optional)
   If desired, sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it sit for a few minutes until melted.
10. Serve
    Serve warm straight from the crockpot.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for additional texture.
• Spice It Up: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheese Variations: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella works well.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta instead of elbow macaroni.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze leftovers in portions for easy future meals.

Flavor Profile

This Crockpot Goulash is savory, slightly sweet from onions, and rich from beef and tomato sauce. The elbow macaroni absorbs the sauce, creating a cohesive, hearty texture. Optional cheddar cheese adds creamy, melty richness. Each bite offers tender beef, tender vegetables, and soft pasta coated in flavorful tomato gravy—a comforting and well-rounded meal.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g

Low-fat, protein-rich, and satisfying as a filling, wholesome dinner.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Brown beef and chop vegetables ahead of time for faster assembly.
• Prepare crockpot ingredients in the morning for a ready-to-cook dinner.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze in single-serving portions for easy reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, adjust cooking time slightly to ensure meat is fully cooked.

Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, or peas work well.

How do I prevent pasta from overcooking?
Add uncooked pasta toward the last 30 minutes of cooking and check for doneness.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well without pasta. Cook pasta fresh when reheating for best texture.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook beef and vegetables on sauté first, then pressure cook the sauce and pasta for about 6–8 minutes.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	6–8 hours LOW / 3–4 hours HIGH	6h15m–8h15m	6 servings

Serving Suggestions

Serve directly from the crockpot for casual meals. Optional toppings like shredded cheddar, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper enhance flavor and presentation. Pair with a light side salad for extra freshness.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable-Heavy Goulash: Add extra bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
2. Cheesy Goulash: Use a cheese blend of cheddar and mozzarella for extra creaminess.
3. Spicy Kick: Include red pepper flakes or hot paprika.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.

Ingredient Spotlight

Ground Beef

Provides rich, hearty flavor. Choose lean options to reduce fat while keeping the dish savory.

Bell Pepper

Adds sweetness, color, and crunch. Any color works—red, yellow, or green.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Brown beef thoroughly to deepen flavor.
• Sauté onions before adding to crockpot for sweeter, more caramelized flavor.
• Stir pasta halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for best flavor balance.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freeze in portions before adding pasta for best texture.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	20g
Carbs	30g
Fat	15g
Fiber	3g

Dietary Notes: Low-fat, family-friendly, hearty comfort food that is easy to make and freezer-friendly.

Expanded Conclusion

Crockpot Goulash is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and comfort. Tender ground beef, hearty vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni create a one-pot meal that’s both filling and satisfying. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners, this slow-cooked goulash offers simplicity, deliciousness, and warmth in every bite.

Save this recipe for a comforting weeknight dinner, and enjoy the ease of letting your crockpot do all the work while delivering deep, comforting flavors your family will love.

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