Slow Cooker 5 Ingredient Beef Goulash

When you need an easy, budget-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Beef Goulash is a recipe worth keeping close. Made with ground beef, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, and elbow macaroni, this old-fashioned American beef goulash delivers a hearty, comforting meal with very little preparation.

Simply add the ground beef, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chopped onion to your crock pot, then let everything simmer until the beef is tender and the flavors come together. Add the macaroni toward the end, and you’ll have a delicious one-pot slow cooker dinner with tender pasta and a rich tomato-beef sauce.

Inspired by classic Midwestern comfort food, this easy crockpot beef goulash is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly fall evenings, and family dinners when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

Serve it with warm garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed green beans for a simple, satisfying supper.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can 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 several large chunks. Scatter the chopped onion over the beef, then pour in the undrained diced tomatoes 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 ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the onion is tender.
3. Break up the beef: Stir the mixture thoroughly, using a spoon to break the cooked ground beef into smaller crumbles. This helps distribute the meat evenly throughout the tomato sauce.
4. Add the macaroni: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is evenly coated and mostly submerged in the hot tomato mixture.
5. Finish cooking: Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 20–30 minutes, stirring once if needed, until the macaroni is tender. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Add a small splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Serve and enjoy: Spoon the hot beef goulash into bowls and serve immediately. Add shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired.

Benefits of This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

1. Budget-Friendly Family Dinner

Ground beef, canned tomatoes, and elbow macaroni are affordable pantry and refrigerator staples. This inexpensive beef goulash makes six generous servings without requiring specialty ingredients.

2. Minimal Preparation

With only five main ingredients and approximately 10 minutes of preparation, this crockpot dinner is ideal for busy families. Let the slow cooker handle most of the work while you take care of other things.

3. Hearty and Satisfying

Ground beef provides protein and iron, while macaroni supplies carbohydrates for energy. Together, they create a filling meal that works especially well for hungry families.

4. Convenient One-Pot Cooking

Everything comes together in the same slow cooker, which means fewer dishes to wash and less cleanup after dinner.

5. Great for Meal Planning

This homemade beef goulash is easy to prepare ahead of time and can be portioned into individual containers for convenient lunches and leftovers.

Helpful Tips for the Best Crockpot Beef Goulash

• Choose lean ground beef: Ground beef with around 85–90% lean meat works well. If using fattier beef, brown and drain it first to avoid an oily sauce.
• Don’t add the macaroni too early: Pasta cooks quickly compared with beef. Adding it toward the end helps prevent mushy macaroni.
• Adjust the consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little hot water and stir until you reach your preferred consistency.
• Boost the flavor: Although this recipe uses five main ingredients, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, or Italian seasoning can add extra depth.
• Try different pasta: Small shells, rotini, or other short pasta shapes can replace elbow macaroni. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Add cheese: Stir shredded cheddar or mozzarella into the finished goulash for an extra creamy, cheesy dinner.
• Make cleanup easier: Lightly coat the slow cooker insert with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.

Easy Variations to Try

Cheesy Beef Goulash: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese just before serving for a rich, cheesy variation.

Vegetable Beef Goulash: Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped zucchini for extra vegetables and color.

Spicy Tomato Beef Goulash: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or paprika for a little heat.

Italian-Style Goulash: Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a more herb-forward flavor.

What to Serve with Beef Goulash

This hearty slow cooker dinner pairs beautifully with simple side dishes:

• Warm garlic bread or homemade dinner rolls.
• Fresh green salad with a light dressing.
• Steamed green beans or broccoli.
• Roasted carrots.
• Buttered corn.
• Sliced apples or a simple fruit salad.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover beef goulash in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooled portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. The macaroni may soften slightly after thawing.

Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put raw ground beef directly into the slow cooker?

Yes. You can add raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker, provided it is cooked thoroughly and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). For better texture and reduced grease, browning the beef beforehand is another option.

Can I cook the macaroni directly in the slow cooker?

Yes. Add uncooked macaroni toward the end of the cooking process, once the beef and tomato sauce are fully cooked. This allows the pasta to absorb some of the flavorful sauce without becoming overly soft.

Why is my slow cooker beef goulash too thick?

Macaroni absorbs liquid as it cooks. Simply stir in a little hot water until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Can I prepare beef goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the beef and tomato mixture ahead of time, refrigerate it promptly, and reheat it thoroughly before adding the macaroni. For the best pasta texture, cook the macaroni shortly before serving.

Is American beef goulash different from Hungarian goulash?

Yes. American-style goulash is generally made with ground beef, tomatoes, and macaroni, while traditional Hungarian goulash is a paprika-rich stew typically prepared with chunks of beef and vegetables.