When you think of classic comfort food, it’s hard to find anything that fits the bill better than a warm, hearty bowl of goulash. But this isn’t your grandmother’s complicated recipe that simmers on the stove all day. This Crock Pot American Goulash takes all the familiar, soul-soothing flavors you love and makes the process incredibly simple and hands-off. It’s a dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals, a true one-pot wonder that’s perfect for feeding a hungry family without the fuss.
American goulash is a delicious blend of tender ground beef, a rich tomato sauce, and savory seasonings, all simmered together until the flavors meld into something truly special. The secret to this recipe’s success is the slow cooker. It allows the beef to become incredibly tender and the sauce to develop a depth of flavor that a stovetop recipe just can’t match. You simply brown the beef, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. The result is a deeply satisfying, full-flavored meal that requires minimal effort.
This slow cooker goulash is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you want a homemade meal that feels like you’ve been in the kitchen for hours. It’s hearty, delicious, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Get ready to add this to your list of go-to recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Goulash
This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a new staple for your family’s dinner rotation. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Effortless & Hands-Off: The slow cooker does all the work for you. Just a few minutes of prep, and you can come home to the incredible aroma of dinner ready and waiting.
- A Complete One-Pot Meal: Everything from the beef to the pasta cooks in a single pot. That means less mess, less cleanup, and more time to relax.
- Rich & Hearty Flavor: The long, slow cooking process allows the spices and tomatoes to fully infuse the beef and broth, creating an unparalleled depth of flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable, pantry-staple ingredients, this American goulash is a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
- Freezer-Friendly: This is a fantastic make-ahead meal that freezes beautifully. You can easily make a double batch to have a quick dinner ready for another night.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- Optional for serving: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all the way through. Drain any excess grease. This is a crucial step for adding flavor to the final dish.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows all the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully.
- Cook the Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the uncooked elbow macaroni into the goulash. Increase the heat to high (if it’s not already) and continue to cook until the pasta is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Serve & Garnish: Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the crockpot. Ladle the hot American goulash into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best-Tasting Goulash
- Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: Searing the ground beef adds a deep, caramelized flavor that you won’t get from just slow cooking it. It’s an extra step that’s absolutely worth the time.
- Control the Consistency: If your goulash is too thick after adding the pasta, simply stir in a little more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season to Taste: The amount of salt and pepper you use will depend on the saltiness of your beef broth. Start with a small amount and adjust at the end once the goulash is fully cooked.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a can of corn to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients for a more vegetable-rich meal.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Crock Pot American Goulash is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple additions can make it even better.
- Classic Sides: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. A simple green side salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to balance the richness of the goulash.
- Cheesy Goulash: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese at the end for an extra-creamy, cheesy finish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot for a little heat.
- Make it Lighter: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add Creaminess: A dollop of sour cream on top of each bowl adds a cool, tangy contrast to the rich tomato sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any small pasta shape like rotini, ditalini, or small shells. The cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes! This slow cooker goulash freezes beautifully. I recommend freezing it before adding the pasta, as pasta can become mushy when reheated after freezing. Thaw the soup, reheat it on the stove, and then add the pasta to cook.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Is this different from Hungarian goulash? Yes, very different. Hungarian goulash is a traditional stew made with meat, onions, and paprika, often served with potatoes or bread. American goulash is a tomato-based, one-pot dish with pasta.
This Crock Pot American Goulash is a simple yet satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out. It’s the perfect way to bring a little bit of comfort and classic flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort.
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The Ultimate Crock Pot American Goulash
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add elbow macaroni and stir well. Cover and cook until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.