🍲 Crockpot Goulash
Crockpot Goulash is a comforting, easy-to-make one-pot meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s hearty, kid-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights since the slow cooker does most of the work.
🥩 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- ½ cup water or beef broth (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the meat: In a skillet, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2️⃣ Add to crockpot: Transfer cooked meat and veggies to the slow cooker. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, bell pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Cook: Cover and cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours.
4️⃣ Add pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked elbow macaroni. Add water or broth if needed to ensure pasta is covered. Cover and cook until pasta is tender.
5️⃣ Cheesy finish: If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top and let it melt before serving.
6️⃣ Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese. Great with garlic bread or a side salad.
🌟 Tips for Best Crockpot Goulash
- Pasta timing: Add pasta near the end to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
- Cheese: Stir in a handful of shredded cheese into the goulash before serving for extra creaminess.
- Vegetables: You can add corn, peas, or mushrooms for variety.
- Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days; freezes beautifully.
I can also provide:
- Stovetop version for faster prep
- Creamy goulash variation with sour cream
- Or spicy goulash with red pepper flakes
Do you want the creamy variation recipe?
