Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot American Goulash is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy days. Slow-cooked to bring out rich flavors, it combines savory ground beef, tomatoes, and tender elbow macaroni for a satisfying classic dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 green pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 24 ounce jar pasta sauce (such as Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce)
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown and crumble the ground beef along with the diced sweet onion and green pepper in a large skillet. Cook until the meat is fully done and the vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease.
2. Step 2: Transfer the cooked ground beef mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Do not add the macaroni yet.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours to let the flavors meld.
5. Step 5: About one hour before serving, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir well, cover, and cook until the noodles are al dente or your preferred softness.
6. Step 6: Serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with fresh garlic bread and a side salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water slightly or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground beef and vegetable broth instead of water.
• Feel free to swap elbow macaroni for other pasta shapes like shells or rotini.

Storage

Store leftover goulash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I add the pasta at the beginning?

It’s best to add the uncooked macaroni during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this dish on the stovetop by simmering the sauce and beef mixture for about an hour, then adding the pasta and cooking until tender.

Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 114 reviews

This Crock Pot American Goulash is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked pasta dish featuring ground beef, sweet onions, green peppers, and a savory tomato-based sauce. The elbow macaroni is added towards the end to cook perfectly, making it a convenient and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy days.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker low) or 2 to 4 hours (slow cooker high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 2 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 green pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 24 ounce jar pasta sauce (I like Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce)
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Instructions

1. Brown the beef and vegetables: In a large skillet, brown and crumble 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 small finely diced sweet onion and 1 finely diced green pepper (optional). Cook until the beef is fully cooked and the onions and peppers are softened. Drain any excess grease.
2. Transfer to slow cooker: Place the cooked beef mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
3. Add sauces and seasonings: Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 24 ounces of pasta sauce, 8 ounces of tomato sauce, 15 ounces of petite diced tomatoes, 1 cup water, 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Do not add the macaroni yet.
4. Cook the goulash: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. This slow simmering allows all the flavors to meld, as the meat and vegetables are already cooked.
5. Add macaroni: During the last hour of cooking, stir in 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and cook until the noodles are al dente or to your preferred tenderness.
6. Serve: Once the macaroni is cooked through, serve the goulash hot. It pairs wonderfully with fresh garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Green pepper is optional but adds a nice sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Use a good quality pasta sauce like Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce for best taste.
• Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker model as temperatures may vary slightly.
• For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the water slightly or cook an additional 15-30 minutes uncovered at the end.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Keywords: Crock Pot, American Goulash, Slow Cooker Pasta, Ground Beef Recipe, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal