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Discover the ultimate comfort food with this easy Crockpot Goulash recipe! Packed with tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this slow-cooked dish is a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, it’s a one-pot meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Quick & Easy Crockpot Goulash for a Hearty Dinner

Crockpot goulash is a comforting, hearty dish that combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings to create a rich, flavorful meal. By using a slow cooker, you can effortlessly prepare this Hungarian-inspired comfort food, perfect for a busy family dinner.

  • Total Time: 6.5-8.5 hours (including slow cooking)
  • Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

  • Ground Beef (80/20): 1 lb (for best flavor)
  • Elbow Macaroni: 2 cups (or any short-cut pasta)
  • Tomato Sauce: 2 cups
  • Petite Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz)
  • Fresh Onion: 1 large, chopped
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 tbsp
  • Bay Leaves: 2
  • Salt: to taste
  • Black Pepper: to taste
  • Sharp Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded (for topping)
  • Optional Add-ins:
    • Vegetables: corn, peas, carrots
    • Dairy: sour cream or cream cheese
    • Lean protein: ground turkey
    • BBQ sauce (for BBQ goulash)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Meat:
    • Pat the ground beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
    • Brown the beef in batches on medium-high heat to avoid overcrowding, ensuring a dark brown crust forms for flavor.
    • Drain excess grease and set aside.
  • Prepare Vegetables:
    • Rinse the vegetables, then chop the onions, garlic, and any optional veggies like carrots or peas.
  • Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
    • Layer vegetables at the bottom of the crockpot.
    • Add the browned beef, seasonings, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
  • Slow Cook:
    • Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-4 hours.
    • Stir occasionally, checking the liquid level and adding water or broth as needed.
  • Add Pasta:
    • In the final 30 minutes, add the dry elbow macaroni directly into the slow cooker, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce.
    • Stir gently and cover. Cook on high for 30 minutes.
  • Finish the Dish:
    • Once the pasta is tender, top the goulash with shredded cheese.
    • Let it melt before serving.

Notes

  • Pasta Tips: Ensure pasta is added at the end of the cooking process to avoid it becoming mushy. For firmer pasta, you can microwave the uncooked pasta with a tablespoon of oil before adding it to the crockpot.
  • Optional Variations: For a leaner dish, substitute ground turkey for beef. For a creamier texture, add sour cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking.
  • BBQ Goulash: Substitute some tomato sauce with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist. Different cheeses, like pepper Jack, can add spice or richness depending on your preference.
  • Author: Eva Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 2-4 hours on high
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
  • Cuisine: Hungarian (American-style)

Find it online: https://www.savorydelightrecipes.com/quick-easy-crockpot-goulash/