Name: Crock Pot American Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491838H32M40S
Total time: PT-491838H32M40S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900g) ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz / 800g) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 oz / 425g) can tomato sauce; 1 (15 oz / 425g) can diced tomatoes (with juice); 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp paprika (optional); Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce; 1 bay leaf; 1 cup beef broth or water (more for saucier consistency); 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked; added later); 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional, for topping)

Crock Pot American Goulash is my go-to recipe when I want a hearty, comforting, and easy weeknight meal. This slow cooker version is rich with ground beef, tomatoes, seasonings, and tender pasta, all simmered to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and satisfies everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs (900g) ground beef

1 medium onion, diced

1 (28 oz / 800g) can crushed tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz / 425g) can tomato sauce

1 (15 oz / 425g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)

2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richer flavor)

2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp paprika (optional)

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

Salt & pepper, to taste

1 bay leaf

1 cup beef broth or water (more for saucier consistency)

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked; added later)

1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional, for topping)

Directions

Brown the Beef (Recommended):
I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. After draining the fat, I transfer the beef to the crock pot. (When I’m in a rush, I sometimes add the beef raw—but browning definitely gives it more flavor.)

Add Everything Else (Except Pasta & Cheese):
Into the slow cooker, I add the diced onion, minced garlic, all the tomato ingredients (crushed, diced, and sauce), tomato paste if using, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and broth. I give it a good stir to combine.

Slow Cook:
I cover the slow cooker and let everything simmer on Low for 4–6 hours or on High for 2–3 hours.

Add Pasta:
About 30 minutes before serving, I stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Then I cover it again and cook on High for 20–30 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. If it gets too thick, I add a splash more broth or water.

Finish & Serve:
I remove the bay leaf, stir in the cheese if I’m using it, or sprinkle it over the top before serving. I like to garnish mine with parsley or Parmesan for a little extra something.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4–6 hours on Low or 2–3 hours on High

Servings: 6 to 8

Variations

Make it spicy: When I want a kick, I add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Healthier version: I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey and use whole wheat pasta.

Add vegetables: I like tossing in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last hour for extra nutrients.

Gluten-free: I use gluten-free pasta and make sure my sauces are gluten-free as well.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Freezer: I freeze the goulash without the pasta, as it holds up better. When I reheat it, I just boil fresh pasta to stir in.

FAQs

Can I cook the pasta in the slow cooker from the beginning?

I wouldn’t recommend it. The pasta will overcook and turn mushy. I always add it near the end for the best texture.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely. I’ve tried penne, shells, and rotini. I just make sure to check them a few minutes early since different shapes cook at different rates.

Is browning the beef really necessary?

Technically no, but I think it adds a much richer flavor. If I’m short on time, I skip it, but I always notice the difference.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

I stir once or twice after adding the pasta and keep an eye on the liquid level. If it starts getting thick, I add a bit more broth or water.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! I use plant-based ground meat or lentils, and substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth.

Conclusion

Crock Pot American Goulash is a cozy, satisfying meal that I can easily tweak to match what’s in my pantry. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. Whether I make it cheesy, spicy, or loaded with veggies, it’s always a hit at my table.

📖 Recipe:

Crock Pot American Goulash

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Crock Pot American Goulash is a comforting, hearty slow-cooked pasta dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights, this one-pot meal delivers delicious, family-friendly flavor with minimal effort.