Mouth Watering Crock Pot Goulash

Spice up your dinner routine with this easy Crock Pot Goulash. With tender beef, hearty pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, this slow-cooked classic brings deep, comforting flavor to the table with almost no effort at all. Just toss everything in the crockpot, let it simmer low and slow, and come back to a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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This version uses ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and a blend of simple spices for that perfect homestyle taste. You can easily switch it up with ground turkey, shell pasta, or even a mix of veggies for extra color. I like to add a sprinkle of shredded cheese before serving for a creamy finish that melts right in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Goulash hits that perfect balance of easy cooking and rich, homey flavor.

Simple ingredients: Everything in this recipe is pantry-friendly and budget-conscious.

Set it and forget it: The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.

Comfort food classic: Warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor that makes everyone come back for seconds.

Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist the tender beef and tangy tomato sauce.

Perfect for leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day.

Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings, meat, or add veggies for your own twist.

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Ingredients

For the Goulash:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  
• 1 medium onion, chopped
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  
• 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
  
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  
• 1 cup beef broth
  
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 bell pepper, diced
  
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
  
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
  

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Add chopped onions and garlic, and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Drain any excess fat before transferring the mixture to your slow cooker.

2. Add the Base Ingredients

Into the slow cooker, add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

3. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for about 3–4 hours. The flavors will deepen as the sauce simmers slowly, and the beef will turn beautifully tender.

4. Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce. Cover again and let it cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of that rich flavor.

5. Finish and Serve

Once done, give it a gentle stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust with a little extra salt or pepper if needed. If you like, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover for a few minutes until melted. Serve hot, topped with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine or a spoon of tomato paste for a deeper sauce.
  
• Make it spicy: Stir in cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
  
• Veggie boost: Toss in diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrients.
  
• Cheese lover’s twist: Try mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan instead of cheddar.
  
• Storage tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  

Serving Suggestions

Crock Pot Goulash is the kind of meal that goes with just about anything. Serve it with crusty garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a full dinner. It’s also great with a sprinkle of grated cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy finish.

When I make this for a family gathering, I like to set it out buffet-style with bowls of toppings, fresh herbs, shredded cheese, and hot sauce, so everyone can make their own version. It turns dinner into something fun and personal without any extra work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works perfectly in this recipe. You might want to add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

You can. Just cook it al dente on the side, then stir it into the goulash before serving. This helps keep the noodles firm.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Just skip the cheese topping or use your favorite dairy-free alternative.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Add a bit more beef broth or water to loosen it up. It thickens naturally as it sits.

Can I add sausage or bacon?

Yes, browned sausage or chopped bacon adds great smoky flavor. Just cook it before adding it to the slow cooker.

Does it reheat well?

It reheats beautifully! Just warm it on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Goulash is everything comfort food should be, simple, hearty, and full of flavor that only gets better with time. It’s one of those dishes that brings people together, no matter the day or season. The rich tomato sauce, tender beef, and soft pasta make it the perfect one-pot meal that never disappoints.

I love how easy it is to make, yet it always tastes like it took hours of effort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a slow Sunday, this goulash will fill your home with warmth and your table with happy faces.