Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the ground beef and tomatoes to simmer together into a delicious, satisfying sauce. Adding the uncooked macaroni near the end creates a complete one-pot meal that is budget-friendly, family-friendly, and easy to prepare.
Whether you’re looking for an easy ground beef dinner, a simple crockpot pasta recipe, or a comforting meal inspired by traditional Midwestern cooking, this slow cooker beef goulash is a wonderful addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
Serve it with warm bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed green beans for a cozy family supper. For extra flavor, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each bowl before serving.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Instructions
1. Add the ingredients: Place the raw ground beef in the slow cooker, breaking it into large chunks. Add the chopped onion, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce.
2. Slow cook the beef: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is tender. For food safety, verify that the ground beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
3. Break up the beef: Stir the mixture well, breaking the beef into smaller crumbles.
4. Add the pasta: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the hot tomato sauce.
5. Finish cooking: Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20–30 minutes, stirring once if needed, until the macaroni is tender. Add a little hot water if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Serve and enjoy: Spoon the hot beef goulash into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Benefits of This Easy Beef Goulash Recipe
Easy weeknight dinner: Simple preparation makes this recipe ideal for busy families.
Budget-friendly comfort food: Uses affordable pantry staples and ground beef to create six satisfying servings.
Convenient slow cooker meal: Most of the cooking happens while you take care of other tasks.
Protein-rich main dish: Ground beef provides protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
Family-friendly flavors: Tender pasta and savory tomato sauce make this a comforting choice for adults and children.
Simple ingredient list: Five main ingredients keep shopping and preparation straightforward.
Easy to customize: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, or shredded cheese to suit your taste.
Great for meal planning: Refrigerate leftovers promptly in airtight containers and enjoy within 3–4 days.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
Brown the beef first: Although you can start with raw ground beef, browning it in a skillet first can improve its flavor and texture. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add pasta near the end: Cooking macaroni for too long can make it mushy. Check it frequently during the final cooking stage.
Adjust the consistency: Stir in a little hot water if the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is tender.
Make it cheesy: Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella just before serving.
Try different pasta shapes: Small shells or rotini are good alternatives to elbow macaroni.
Make cleanup easier: Lightly coat the slow cooker insert with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
