Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a warm, comforting, and effortlessly delicious dinner, look no further than this Crock Pot American Goulash. It’s pure nostalgia in a bowl, combining hearty ground beef, tangy tomato sauces, tender elbow macaroni, and just the right hint of seasoning. The beauty of this recipe lies in how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich, homestyle meal that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a cozy solo dinner, this Crock Pot American Goulash has an irresistible charm that makes it a guaranteed favorite every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crock Pot American Goulash starts with a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role: the ground beef brings satisfying richness, the trio of tomato sauces gives depth and a velvety texture, and the elbow macaroni adds that perfect tender bite. Together, they create comfort food that’s both flavorsome and fuss-free.

• 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base and a rich, meaty flavor that anchors the dish.
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation when sautéed.
• 1 green pepper, finely diced (optional): Offers a gentle crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter note to balance the tomato flavors.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Imparts a fragrant, savory kick that brightens the sauce beautifully.
• 24 ounce jar pasta sauce: This brings robust tomato flavor and depth—Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce is an excellent choice for richness.
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce: Adds smooth texture and spreads the tomato flavor evenly throughout.
• 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes: Brings bursts of tender tomato pieces for added texture and freshness.
• 1 cup water: Adjusts the sauce consistency perfectly to keep the goulash from getting too thick.
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian-inspired warmth.
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out the tomato flavors for a mellow, rich taste.
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni: The tender pasta that soaks up the sauce and brings satisfying comfort to every bite.

How to Make Crock Pot American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

First things first, get that ground beef sizzling in a large skillet alongside the finely diced sweet onion and green pepper if you’re using it. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and the veggies have softened to fragrant sweetness. This not only builds layers of flavor but also ensures the meat is perfectly cooked before it goes into the slow cooker. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.

Step 2: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Once the beef and veggies are ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Spoon your browned mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker—the heart of our Crock Pot American Goulash. This sets the stage for all the components to meld into one glorious meal over the next few hours.

Step 3: Add Sauces and Seasoning

Now for the saucy goodness. Stir in the minced garlic, that generous jar of pasta sauce, the tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and the sugar. This vibrant mix will bubble away gently, infusing every inch with comforting, tangy flavor. Important: hold off on adding the macaroni noodles just yet—they’ll join us a bit later.

Step 4: Slow Cook and Simmer

Cover your Crock Pot and let it do its magic on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2 to 4 hours. Because the beef and veggies were pre-cooked, the slow cooker’s role here is to blend all the flavors together and let the sauce thicken into that perfect, hearty texture that defines a great goulash. Patience really pays off in this step.

Step 5: Add Macaroni and Finish Cooking

With about an hour left before you’re ready to eat, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover the slow cooker again and let the noodles cook until they’re al dente. This timing ensures the pasta is tender but not mushy, soaking up all those wonderful tomato and beef juices for a truly satisfying mouthful.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

By the time the macaroni is just right, your Crock Pot American Goulash is ready to be ladled out. Its inviting aroma will have everyone at the table eager to dig in, especially when paired with some garlic bread or a crisp, fresh salad. This is classic comfort with a big-hearted twist.

How to Serve Crock Pot American Goulash

Garnishes

To elevate your goulash feast, consider topping each serving with a sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan or a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil. These simple additions bring brightness and a touch of elegance, perfectly balancing the richness of the tomato-beef sauce.

Side Dishes

Crock Pot American Goulash shines best alongside crisp green salads, steamed veggies, or buttery garlic bread that’s great for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Roasted broccoli or a simple cucumber salad are also lovely fresh complements to this hearty main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, try serving this goulash layered in a casserole with melted cheese on top, or spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes for a twist on traditional comforts. Another fun idea is to use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers—just pack it in, bake a little longer, and enjoy a new take on a familiar favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot American Goulash keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This goulash freezes beautifully, making it a perfect dish to have on hand for busy nights. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for easier reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce looks a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Watch the noodles closely—they can firm up in the fridge but will soften nicely with gentle reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Crock Pot American Goulash without green pepper?

Absolutely! The green pepper is optional and can be left out if you’re not a fan or if you want a milder flavor. The dish will still be just as tasty and comforting.

Do I have to pre-cook the beef and vegetables?

Yes, browning the beef and softening the onions and peppers before adding them to the slow cooker greatly enhances the flavor and texture. It also helps reduce excess fat, making the goulash lighter and more balanced.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they don’t get too soft.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, one of the best parts about Crock Pot American Goulash is how well it freezes. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers and thaw completely before reheating for best results.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils. You may want to add extra seasoning to keep that hearty flavor, and be sure to skip the browning step and cook the veggies accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about coming home to a pot of rich, flavorful Crock Pot American Goulash cooked low and slow while you’ve been away. It’s an easy, dependable meal that delivers big on taste and comfort every single time. So next time you want fuss-free deliciousness that feels like a warm hug, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did.

Print