Hearty Crockpot Goulash

Hearty Crockpot Goulash is a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe combines ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, simmering together in a slow cooker to create a deliciously satisfying meal. With minimal prep time, this dish is great for busy households looking for an easy yet hearty option.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also makes use of common ingredients you may already have in your pantry. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, Hearty Crockpot Goulash is sure to please everyone at the table.

How to Make Hearty Crockpot Goulash

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain the excess grease.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
6. Stir in the dry elbow macaroni about 30 minutes before serving.
7. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, until the pasta is just tender.
8. Stir well and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Hearty Crockpot Goulash

Serve your Hearty Crockpot Goulash hot, garnished with some grated cheese or chopped parsley for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side.

How to Store Hearty Crockpot Goulash

You can store leftover Hearty Crockpot Goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Hearty Crockpot Goulash

• Make sure to drain the excess grease after browning the beef to keep the dish from being too greasy.
• Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Adding a bit of heat with red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick!
• If you prefer, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrients.

Variation

You can easily make a vegetarian version of this goulash by swapping ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Just skip the browning step and add the lentils or meat substitute to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

2. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly.

3. Is it necessary to cook the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the beef first adds flavor and helps reduce grease in the final dish.

Hearty Crockpot Goulash

A comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1.5 pounds ground beef Browned before adding to the slow cooker
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth of flavor
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the flavor

Pasta and Sauces

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni Can substitute with other pasta shapes
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained Rich in flavor; adds moisture
• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce Base for the goulash
• 2 cups beef broth Adds richness

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Enhances savory flavor
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Gives a herby flavor profile
• 1 teaspoon paprika Adds a subtle smokiness
• 3/4 teaspoon salt To taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain the excess grease.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together.

Cooking

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
2. Stir in the dry elbow macaroni about 30 minutes before serving.
3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, until the pasta is just tender.
4. Stir well and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with cheese or parsley. Pairs well with garlic bread or salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.