Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

When you need an easy dinner with almost no prep, this 4-ingredient slow cooker beef goulash is a recipe worth keeping. Ground beef, tomato soup, pasta sauce, and beef broth slowly cook together to create a rich, savory sauce with plenty of hearty beef flavor.

There is no complicated chopping or long ingredient list. Simply add the ingredients to the crockpot, let the slow cooker do the work, and finish by breaking up the tender ground beef before serving.

This easy beef goulash is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, or those evenings when you want classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

• Only 4 main ingredients: A short shopping list makes this recipe budget-friendly and convenient.
• Easy slow cooker dinner: Most of the cooking happens while you handle other things.
• Family-friendly comfort food: The savory tomato and beef combination pairs beautifully with pasta, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
• Budget-friendly meal: Ground beef and simple pantry ingredients make this an affordable dinner for a family.
• Great for busy weeknights: Minimal preparation means less time in the kitchen.
• Easy to customize: Add vegetables, cheese, herbs, or cooked pasta to make it your own.
• Make-ahead friendly: Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for another easy meal.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef, 80–90% lean
• 2 cans condensed tomato soup, about 24 ounces total
• 1 jar pasta sauce, about 24 ounces
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

1. Place the cold ground beef in the bottom of a slow cooker, keeping it in one large piece.
2. Pour the condensed tomato soup evenly over the beef. Do not dilute the soup with water.
3. Add the pasta sauce, spreading it over the beef and tomato soup.
4. Pour the beef broth around the beef and over the top, making sure there is plenty of liquid surrounding the meat.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the ground beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Once the beef is fully cooked, use a sturdy spoon or spatula to break it into small pieces directly in the slow cooker. Stir the beef into the tomato sauce until everything is well combined.
7. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
8. If you prefer a thicker goulash, cook uncovered on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve hot over cooked egg noodles, macaroni, rice, or mashed potatoes. Crusty bread or garlic toast also makes a delicious side.

Easy Serving Ideas

For a classic comfort-food dinner, spoon the goulash over buttered egg noodles or macaroni. Mashed potatoes are another hearty option because they soak up the rich tomato-beef sauce.

For a lighter meal, serve it with steamed green beans, broccoli, or a simple green salad. You can also finish each serving with shredded cheddar cheese or a spoonful of sour cream.

Easy Variations

Add vegetables: Stir in frozen mixed vegetables or frozen bell peppers during the final hour of cooking.

Make it thicker: Reduce the beef broth to about 1 cup for a thicker, more concentrated sauce.

Make it creamier: Add a small amount of sour cream or heavy cream just before serving.

Add pasta: Stir in fully cooked and drained pasta near the end of cooking for a hearty one-pot-style meal.

Boost the flavor: Choose a pasta sauce containing garlic, herbs, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor without significantly increasing your prep time.

Slow Cooker Beef Goulash Tips

For the best results, use fresh, refrigerated ground beef and keep it cold until you’re ready to cook. Follow the recommended cooking times and always check that the center of the beef reaches 160°F (71°C) before breaking it apart.

Avoid using the slow cooker’s WARM setting to cook raw ground beef. WARM is designed for holding already-cooked food rather than safely cooking raw meat.

For leftovers, refrigerate the goulash within 2 hours in shallow containers. Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot before serving.

Recipe Benefits

Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that can feed a family.

Low prep: There is very little hands-on preparation before the slow cooker takes over.

Family-friendly: Mild, savory flavors make this an easy dinner option for the whole family.

Versatile: Serve it over noodles, pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Meal-prep friendly: Leftovers reheat easily, making it useful for lunches or another quick dinner.