Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Goulash

Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Goulash is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together simple ingredients for a delicious meal. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a warm, satisfying dinner without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It combines ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni, making it both filling and easy to prepare.

Why Make This Recipe

This Poor Man Goulash is a great option for several reasons. First, it uses only four main ingredients, making it accessible to anyone, even if you’re on a tight budget. Second, the slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing you to focus on your day while the meal cooks. Finally, this dish is a family favorite, appealing to both adults and kids alike. It’s a bowl of happiness that brings everyone together!

How to Make Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Goulash

Making this goulash is easy and straightforward. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (optional, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional, to taste)
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups water (as needed to cook pasta and loosen sauce)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it up. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned and no pink remains, about 7–10 minutes. If there is excess fat, spoon it off, leaving a couple of tablespoons.
2. Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the onions soften.
3. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add salt and black pepper if using.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours.
6. About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in 1 1/2 cups water and then add the dry elbow macaroni, ensuring it is submerged. Add more water if needed.
7. Cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the macaroni is tender but not mushy.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving hot.

How to Serve Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Goulash

You can serve this goulash hot, straight from the slow cooker. It pairs nicely with a side salad or some warm bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving. This will add a creamy flavor that everyone will love!

How to Store Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Goulash

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before you freeze it.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Poor Man Goulash

• For extra flavor, consider adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian herbs.
• If you want to add some vegetables, try including diced bell peppers or even frozen peas.
• Make sure to stir the goulash halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Variation

If you want to change things up, you can use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rotini. Also, if you prefer turkey or chicken, feel free to substitute the ground beef for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the goulash a day in advance and store it in the fridge before cooking. Just follow the cooking steps on the day you want to serve it.

2. How can I make it spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the beef when cooking for an extra kick.

3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or store-bought meat substitutes and prepare it the same way. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Enjoy your cooking, and happy eating!

Poor Man Goulash

A comforting and hearty dish made with ground beef, onions, tomato sauce, and elbow macaroni, perfect for busy days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef (80–85% lean)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 cans tomato sauce (15 ounces each)
• 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (optional, to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional, to taste)
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups water (as needed to cook pasta and loosen sauce)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it up. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned and no pink remains, about 7–10 minutes. If there is excess fat, spoon it off, leaving a couple of tablespoons.
2. Stir in the diced onion and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the onions soften.
3. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Add salt and black pepper if using.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours.

Cooking

1. About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in 1 1/2 cups water and then add the dry elbow macaroni, ensuring it is submerged. Add more water if needed.
2. Cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the macaroni is tender but not mushy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving hot.

Notes

This goulash pairs nicely with a side salad or warm bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.