The Best Slow Cooker Goulash
This slow cooker goulash is a hearty, comforting meal made with ground beef, pasta, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s an easy crockpot dinner that simmers all day for deep flavor with minimal effort.
If you love easy ground beef dinners like this, try this Old Fashioned Goulash
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Goulash
Easy dump-and-go crockpot meal
Hearty and filling comfort food
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Family-friendly and budget-friendly
Rich, slow-simmered flavor
For another cozy dinner, try this Ground Beef Chili
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Goulash
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together into a rich, satisfying dish.
- Ground Beef (1 lb). Adds protein and rich flavor. For another beef dinner, try this Ground Beef Meatballs
Elbow Macaroni (2 cups). Classic pasta used in goulash.
Tomato Sauce (2 cups). Creates a rich base for the dish.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can). Adds texture and acidity.
Onion (1 cup, diced). Builds flavor.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced). Enhances the savory taste.
Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp). Adds herb flavor.
Salt and Pepper (to taste). Balances the dish.
Beef Broth (2 cups). Helps cook the pasta and deepen flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Goulash
Brown the beef
In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.Add ingredients to slow cooker
Transfer beef to the slow cooker and add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, seasoning, and broth.Cook
Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.Add pasta
Stir in uncooked pasta during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.- Finish and serve
Cook until pasta is tender, then serve warm.
For more hands-off meals, explore these slow cooker recipes. I highly recommend using Caraway Home non-toxic bakeware—use code STACIE at checkout for a special discount!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Goulash
Brown the beef first for better flavor
Add pasta at the end to avoid mushiness
Stir occasionally if possible
Adjust seasoning before serving
Use quality tomato sauce for best taste
For another pasta-based dinner, try this Easy Baked Ziti with Ground Beef
Slow Cooker Ground Beef Goulash Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 1-2 lbs ground beef 80/20 suggestion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 15-oz cans tomato sauce
- 2 15-oz cans diced tomatoes
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- parsley chopped
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in olive oil until softened.Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook 45 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to slow cooker.
- Cook on:LOW for 4–6 hours, orHIGH for 2–3 hours
- Stir pasta into slow cooker during the last 20–25 minutes of cook time.Fold in cheddar cheese and parsley. Cover and cook until cheese is melted.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to thicken.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Based on 1½ lbs 80/20 ground beef, 2 cups dry macaroni, 1 cup cheddar cheese. Serves 8.| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~510 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Total Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
| Sodium | ~950 mg* |
| Potassium | ~750 mg |
| Calcium | 170 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw ground beef in slow cooker goulash?
Yes, slow cooker goulash can be made with raw ground beef, but browning it first adds more flavor and improves texture. Browning also helps remove excess grease before slow cooking. For best results, cook the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
How long does slow cooker goulash last in the fridge?
Slow cooker goulash lasts in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Let the slow cooker goulash cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
Can I freeze slow cooker goulash?
Yes, slow cooker goulash freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow the slow cooker goulash to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. For best texture, freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Can I make slow cooker goulash ahead of time?
Yes, slow cooker goulash can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also cook it fully and reheat later. Reheat at 350°F or on the stovetop until hot.
Can I make slow cooker goulash gluten-free?
Yes, slow cooker goulash can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure. Cook the pasta separately and add it at the end for best results.
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