This Slow Cooker Goulash is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish packed with tender ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and savory spices. Simmered low and slow, the rich flavors meld together beautifully, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for chilly days. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this classic American goulash is a guaranteed family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty, comforting, and full of rich flavors
- Set-it-and-forget-it recipe—perfect for busy days
- Easy to customize with veggies, spices, or cheeses
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- One-pot meal means easy cleanup
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat. (This step can be skipped for lean meat but adds better texture.)
- Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Add onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender.
- Finish and serve: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese (optional) and let it melt for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 6-8 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Goulash: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Goulash: Skip the meat and add extra beans, mushrooms, or lentils for a meatless option.
- Cheesy Goulash: Stir in cream cheese or use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a creamier version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure all canned products are gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.
- Freeze: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells works well, but adjust the cooking time if needed.
Do I need to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
It’s optional, but browning adds depth of flavor and a better texture to the finished dish.
Can I add vegetables to this goulash?
Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or peas are great additions for extra nutrition.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option and works perfectly in this recipe.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it tender without becoming overcooked.
Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes, cook the pasta separately and stir it into the goulash before serving to maintain a firmer texture.
What spices work well in goulash?
Paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, bay leaves, and garlic powder enhance the dish’s rich flavors.
Is this goulash similar to Hungarian goulash?
No, Hungarian goulash is a stew with chunks of meat and more paprika. This version is an American-style pasta dish.
Can I cook this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer all ingredients (except pasta) for 30 minutes on low heat. Add pasta and cook until tender.
What’s the best cheese for topping goulash?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix of Parmesan and cheddar are all great choices for melty, cheesy goodness.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Goulash is a classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Rich, flavorful, and hearty, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this slow-cooked pasta meal is ideal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or meal prepping for the week ahead!
Print
Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Hungarian-inspired
Description
This Slow Cooker Goulash is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish made with tender ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, fuss-free meal that’s perfect for cozy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 2 cups (500 g) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni (added later)
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Brown the beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.
- Drain excess grease, then add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
2. Add ingredients to the slow cooker:
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine.
3. Slow cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Cook the pasta:
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Cover and continue cooking on high until the pasta is tender, about 25-30 minutes.
5. Finish and serve:
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with bread or salad.
Notes
- Swap elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta if needed (adjust cooking time as necessary).
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.