Name: Crock Pot American Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491983H36M55S
Total time: PT-491983H36M55S
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)

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.

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker. (Optional: skip browning to save time.)
Add diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), Worcestershire or soy sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and broth to the crock pot. Stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and cook on High for 20–30 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick.
Remove the bay leaf. Stir in cheese or sprinkle on top if desired. Serve hot, optionally garnished with parsley or Parmesan.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Use ground turkey and whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

Add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.

Use gluten-free pasta and sauces for a gluten-free version.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days or frozen without the pasta.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (Low) or 2–3 hours (High)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 75mg