Crock Pot Goulash is comfort food made easy and there's just something so indulgent and gratifying about the beef, tomato and cheese combo for me. It's like an elevated, healthier version of Hamburger Helper- and super simple to make as a one-pot dinner in the Crock Pot.
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Crock Pot Goulash uses fresh, simple ingredients to make a cozy meal that's flavorful, beefy, satisfying, and cheesy. After browning the meat and chopping up the fresh ingredients, all you need to do is stir up the sauce and pour it all into the Crock Pot, then the pasta and cheese get added last. Most of the time in my house we all want seconds!
If you like easy crock pot pasta dinners like this slow cooker goulash recipe, you should definitely check out my Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo, Cajun Chicken Pasta, or this copycat Olive Garden Crock Pot Chicken.
Why You'll Love My Crock Pot Goulash Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You might already have some of these in your pantry and if not, one quick trip to the store and you'll be ready to make the Crock Pot Goulash.
- Wholesome and Satisfying: This is one of those comfort food meals that fills you up without it feeling too heavy.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, tomato-sauce covered pasta hides the veggies well for even the pickiest of eaters!
- Easy to Customize: You can change up the elements like the type of pasta, meat, vegetables, and seasonings for this goulash recipe crock pot.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: I go with 80% lean so that there's a rich flavor without it getting too greasy. Be sure to brown the meat and drain first.
- Yellow Onion, Green Pepper, and Garlic: I prefer yellow onion but white will work too, and you could also choose different colored bell peppers. If you're in a rush, use garlic from the jar or pre-cut veggies.
- Beef Broth: A homemade broth is always tasty, but store bought works too. If you're watching salt, choose a low-sodium option.
- Pasta Sauce: A classic red marinara sauce works great in this recipe or you could go with Bolognese for even more meaty flavor. Vodka sauce works too if you want a little creaminess.
- Diced Tomatoes: One can is all you need.
- Italian Seasoning, Paprika, and Worcestershire Sauce: You might already have these on hand at home, but if not, this recipe is a great reason to restock your pantry. They add all the classic flavors to the dish.
- Macaroni Pasta: Elbow macaroni is my favorite here, but you could sub any type of short-cut pasta.
- Cheddar Cheese: I use cheddar since it melts fast and gives a classic American flavor, but you could also use white cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, a blend of different cheeses.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Change the Meat: Instead of ground beef, you could also use ground turkey, ground chicken, ground pork, or even ground lamb.
- Make It Vegetarian: Leave out the ground beef and swap in cooked or canned beans or lentils instead.
- Mix Up the Pasta: Try bowties, shells, rotini, or penne.
- Add More Veggies: Corn, peas, diced carrots, or sliced mushrooms are all great options.
- Creamier: Add a block of cream cheese to make it creamier when adding the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Kick up the spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to give the dish some heat.
How to Make American Goulash in the Crock Pot
Making goulash in a crock pot is simple, plus you don't have to stand near the stove to wait for it to cook. Here are the basic steps for how to make goulash in a crock pot.
- Step 1: Cook the Hamburger Meat. Add the ground beef to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess oil, then add the cooked meat to your slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings. Add the chopped onions, peppers, garlic, beef broth, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle the dried seasonings on top and give it a good stir to combine.
- Step 3: Cook in the Crock Pot. Cover and cook for for 7-8 hours on LOW or 2½ - 3½ hours on HIGH.
- Step 4: Add the Pasta. When there are 30 minutes left in the cook time, pour in the macaroni and give it a stir. The pasta will cook right in the sauce.
- Step 5: Add the Cheese and Serve. Once the pasta is finished cooking, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully combined. Add to serving bowls while hot. Enjoy!
Hint: Browning the Meat
Be sure to brown the meat first and drain the excess oil. This gives the meat a bit more color and makes the dish less greasy.
Expert Tips
- Use a crockpot liner. For the fastest cleanup ever, use a crockpot liner.
- Season at the end: Before serving the recipe, taste test to see if any extra salt and pepper are needed.
- Use up pantry staples: A jar of red sauce, can of diced tomatoes, or can of red tomato sauce will all work great for this recipe, plus you can use up the box of pasta that's been sitting around in your pantry for a while. Simple, easy, and it makes for great leftovers too!
- Adjust the consistency: If you find that the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Cooled leftovers from this crock pot goulash recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen goulash overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Or place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat for two to three minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This is one of my favorite simple crock pot meals because it works all on its own. You can also serve it with sides or some crusty bread to dip into the red sauce.
- Serve with crock pot glazed carrots, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted broccoli, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
- Garnish with extra cheese, freshly diced scallions or chives, chopped parsley, or basil for flavor and a bit of color!
- Bring the easy goulash recipe crock pot to a potluck along with crock pot crack potatoes.
Recipe FAQs
Adding the dry pasta at the end of the cooking time is what helps keep it from getting soggy. Wait until there's only 30 minutes left and check it and stir a few times before the cook time is up.
Can I skip browning the beef and use raw beef instead?
You could, but browning the beef makes the goulash more flavorful and also gives that little bit of crispy texture. Plus, you can then drain the beef too so it won't be too oily.
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta for this American goulash in the crock pot. Keep in mind the cook time may vary so keep a close eye on the pasta towards the end of the cooking time.
More Delicious Crock Pot Comfort Food Recipes
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Crock Pot Goulash
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 medium green pepper
- 3 tsp garlic
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 24-ounce jar pasta sauce
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1½ tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 ½ cups macaroni pasta (uncooked)
- 1 ¾ cups cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the hamburger until it is fully cooked. Drain off excess fat and add to the slow cooker.
- Add onions, green peppers, garlic, beef broth, paprika, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 2½ to 3½ hours.
- One hour before cooking time is finished, add macaroni pasta and stir into the mixture. Cover and cook for the remaining hour.
- When the pasta is done cooking, add in cheddar cheese and stir until well combined.
- Serve while hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a crockpot liner. For the fastest cleanup ever, use a crockpot liner.
- Season at the end: Before serving the recipe, taste test to see if any extra salt and pepper are needed.
- Use up pantry staples: A jar of red sauce, can of diced tomatoes, or can of red tomato sauce will all work great for this recipe, plus you can use up the box of pasta that's been sitting around in your pantry for a while. Simple, easy, and it makes for great leftovers too!
- Adjust the consistency: If you find that the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Ray says
If you use a meat other than beef in this recipe, does that mean you have to use a different broth as well?
Ryan Allen says
You can use any type of broth that you like.
Ellen says
I always use chicken broth in my recipes. it's just a personal preference. otherwise I followed recipe to the letter lol
Ryan Allen says
Nothing wrong with that at all! Personal preference makes recipes even better.
Lloyd Krueger says
Easy recipe. Great tasting.
Ryan Allen says
I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Brad Berlatsky says
do you cook the pasta before adding it to the crock pot
Ryan Allen says
No, you add the uncooked macaroni pasta 1 hour before the cook time is up.
Steph says
My boyfriend and I really enjoy a good, hearty, cheesy, American goulash. I've made a few similar variations based on other recipes, tonight I made yours. I had to cut it a little as we have the small oval Crock-Pot. It came out so good, it really is a perfect recipe. I do definitely recommend if you enjoy a creamy, spicy sauce, the Botticelli's spicy vodka in this recipe is heaven. I am stuffed and just walked into the house and nearly got hungry! My boyfriend said I've never made anything better.
Ryan Allen says
This made my day! So glad you both loved it and that spicy vodka sauce twist sounds amazing. Big win when the boyfriend says it's the best thing you've made!
Michele C. says
Wow this was delicious! I substituted impossible beef and veggie broth and added cut up zucchini. Within 4 hrs. It was done. No elbows used high protein cork screw pasta. We even have leftovers. Definitely will make this again.
Ryan Allen says
All your changes are great and I am so happy you enjoyed it.
Ms.Lucky says
wonderful comfort dinner. All 3 of us adults gave this recipe 5 stars
I will follow your crockpot recipes. Thank You
Ryan Allen says
Thank you so much! I’m so glad everyone loved it. I really appreciate the 5 stars and that you’re following for more slow cooker recipes. More tasty ones are on the way soon.
Christine says
This crock pot goulash is super easy and so delicious! Aside from browning the hamburger, the crock pot does all the work and you can come home to a delicious and comforting meal. My whole family loved this. Thank you so much for a great recipe I'll make again and again!
I know some folks can't eat red meat. You can use ground turkey instead of ground beef if you desire, without sacrificing any flavor.
Ryan Allen says
Thank you so much! I’m glad it was an easy comforting meal your whole family loved and that the turkey swap worked great too