Crockpot Goulash Recipe: A Comforting One-Pot Meal for Busy Nights

If you’re looking for a hearty, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than Crockpot Goulash. This dish is the perfect balance of rich flavors and tender textures, combining seasoned beef, pasta, and tomato-based sauce into one deliciously filling meal. Whether you’re preparing dinner on a busy weeknight or prepping for a weekend gathering, this slow cooker goulash recipe will make your life easier and your taste buds happy. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, fresh parsley, sour cream, or hot sauce

Directions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Prepare the Sauce: Transfer the beef and onion mixture into your crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to combine.
4. Slow Cook the Goulash: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. You want the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
5. Add the Pasta: After the cooking time, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Continue to cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the flavorful sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the pasta is cooked, give the goulash a final stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese, fresh parsley, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

• Pasta Variations: While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetarian Option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein or beans (kidney beans or black beans work great).
• Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the goulash for an extra kick.
• Storage Tip: Leftovers actually taste better the next day! The flavors continue to meld together, making it a perfect dish for meal prep.

Time and Serving:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on low / 2 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) / 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
• Serving Size: Serves 6-8, depending on portion size.

How to Serve Crockpot Goulash:

1. Classic Serving: Serve it in bowls with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a side of crusty bread for dipping.
2. With a Salad: Pair your goulash with a fresh green salad to add a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the hearty meal.
3. For Leftovers: Goulash makes excellent leftovers and can even be repurposed into a delicious casserole by adding some mozzarella cheese and baking it in the oven.
4. Goulash for the Whole Family: You can easily adjust the recipe for a larger group by doubling the ingredients and using a bigger crockpot.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Crockpot/Slow Cooker: The key tool for cooking this easy, one-pot dish.
• Skillet: For browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To break apart the beef while cooking and stir the ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements.

Storage:

Leftover Crockpot Goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in individual servings or heat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.

For longer storage, you can freeze the goulash for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):

FAQs

Final Thoughts:

Crockpot Goulash is a go-to comfort food that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it’s a dish that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends. Whether you’re serving it to the family or making a big batch for leftovers, this recipe is a winner every time. Enjoy your homemade goulash—it’s truly the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl!