Description
This Slow Cooker American Goulash is a cozy, family-friendly classic made even easier with set-it-and-forget-it convenience. Tender elbow macaroni, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato broth simmer together for hours, soaking up all that comforting flavor. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, plus more for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and no longer pink, 5–7 minutes.
- Drain off any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker crock.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the beef.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly distributed.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the macaroni is tender and the flavors have melded. Stir once or twice during the last hour if possible to prevent sticking.
- If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking, cover, and let it melt into the goulash.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- You can use lean ground beef (90% or higher) to reduce excess fat and make draining easier.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking the macaroni earlier so it doesn’t overcook and get mushy.
- For a slightly thicker, stew-like goulash, reduce the beef broth to 1½ cups or let it cook uncovered for the last 15–20 minutes on HIGH.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: slow cooker american goulash, crockpot goulash, easy goulash recipe, beef and macaroni, one pot dinner