CROCKPOT GOULASH RECIPE

This slow cooker version makes life easier while delivering rich flavors. Tender beef, pasta, vegetables, and a savory tomato sauce come together in a cozy dish that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

 CROCKPOT GOULASH RECIPE

 Prep Time:

15 minutes

 Cook Time:

6–8 hours

 Total Time:

6–8 hours 15 minutes

 Yield:

6–8 servings

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

•  Hands-off cooking — just toss ingredients in the slow cooker.
•  Comfort food classic — warm pasta with savory beef and rich tomato sauce.
•  Family-friendly — hearty, filling, and perfect for leftovers.
•  Customizable — add more vegetables or spices to your liking.

This Crockpot Goulash is perfect for busy schedules and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.

 Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or cubed beef stew meat for more authentic goulash)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked paprika adds depth)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sliced mushrooms
• Carrots, diced
• Zucchini, diced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat:

1. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add diced onions and green bell pepper; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

This step is optional but gives richer flavor before slow cooking.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Add:

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Diced tomatoes (with juice)
• Beef broth
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
  Stir to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.

Step 4: Add Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving:

1. Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the crockpot.
2. Stir well and cover. Cook on HIGH for another 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

(If pasta cooks too fast or absorbs too much liquid, add a bit more beef broth or water.)

Step 5: Add Cheese & Serve

1. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

 Serving Suggestions

• With crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
• With a side salad for a lighter meal.
• Over mashed potatoes for a hearty comfort dinner.
• Topped with sour cream for extra richness.

 Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.

 Expert Tips

1. Brown meat first to enhance flavor and texture.
2. Don’t overcook pasta — add it toward the end to avoid mushy noodles.
3. Paprika matters — use Hungarian paprika for authentic flavor.
4. Vegetables add depth — carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini are great additions.
5. Cheese topping — cheddar is classic, but provolone or mozzarella work too.

 Variations

• Beef & Mushroom Goulash: Add sliced mushrooms during the browning step.
• Spicy Goulash: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
• Slow Cooker Goulash Soup: Add extra beef broth for a soupier version.
• Goulash Casserole: Transfer slow-cooked goulash to a casserole dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly.
• Vegetarian Goulash: Use lentils or textured vegetable protein instead of beef.

 Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Sugar: 6 g

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 Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Goulash is a perfect blend of comfort and convenience — hearty pasta, tender beef, and rich tomato sauce that cooks itself while you go about your day. It’s a family-friendly, budget-friendly meal that’s ideal for busy nights.

Enjoy.