Slow Cooker American Goulash Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker American Goulash Recipe: Homemade Comfort

Comfort arrives with this hearty slow cooker american goulash that brings classic Midwestern flavors straight to your kitchen.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet satisfying meal.

Tender beef and soft pasta create a robust dish packed with rich tomato goodness.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor without hours of complicated cooking techniques.

Seasoned with paprika and garlic, this one-pot wonder delivers serious taste without overwhelming complexity.

Streamlined ingredients combine effortlessly in your slow cooker, promising a delicious dinner that practically makes itself.

Serve this goulash and watch everyone gather around the table, eager to savor every delectable bite.

Tips to Nail Slow Cooker American Goulash

Tips to Nail Slow Cooker American Goulash
  • Drain beef mixture thoroughly to prevent a watery goulash and ensure rich, concentrated flavors.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
  • Add cheese directly into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes for extra creaminess and depth of flavor.
  • Try different pasta shapes like rotini or penne if elbow macaroni isn't available in your pantry.
  • Freeze leftover goulash in portion-sized containers for quick and easy meals during busy weeknights.

Variations on Slow Cooker American Goulash

Variations on Slow Cooker American Goulash
  • Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains protein and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and replace Italian seasoning with cumin and smoked paprika for a zesty Mexican-inspired variation.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute elbow macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic goulash flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Slow Cooker American Goulash

  • Match this hearty goulash with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines complement the rich beef and tomato base, cutting through the dish's robust flavors while enhancing its savory profile.
  • Create a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the goulash's heavy texture. Incorporate fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens for a light counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Select a crusty garlic bread or rustic sourdough to soak up the goulash's delicious sauce. Toasted and lightly buttered, these breads add wonderful textural contrast and help capture every delectable drop of the dish.

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker American Goulash

Storage Advice for Slow Cooker American Goulash
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
  • Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label containers with date and contents.
  • Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with small vent. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make this American Goulash unique?

Ground beef, sweet onion, green pepper, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, and elbow macaroni create a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that’s classic American comfort food.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef. The cooking process remains the same, and it provides a leaner protein option.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This goulash reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

Slow Cooker American Goulash to Enjoy

Slow Cooker American Goulash to Enjoy
  • Simplify Meal Prep: This slow cooker goulash eliminates complex cooking steps, allowing you to toss ingredients and walk away while a delicious meal develops.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce, this dish delivers classic American comfort that satisfies every family member's hunger.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, this recipe provides a filling meal without breaking the bank, perfect for economical home cooking.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks together in a single slow cooker, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time for busy households.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker American Goulash

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic American comfort dish.
  • Sweet Onion: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and natural sweetness to the goulash.
  • Green Pepper: Provides a fresh, slightly tangy crunch and additional vegetable depth.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Pasta Sauce: Creates a rich, robust base for the goulash.
  • Tomato Sauce: Enhances the overall tomato flavor and provides a smooth texture.
  • Petite Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunks of bright, fresh tomato throughout the dish.
  • Water: Helps to create the right consistency and prevent the dish from becoming too thick.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that complements the meat and tomato flavors.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the overall taste.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor that is quintessential to many savory dishes.
Pasta Component:
  • Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that provides a comforting, hearty texture to the goulash.

How to Cook Slow Cooker American Goulash

How to Cook Slow Cooker American Goulash

Step 1: Brown and Crumble Beef

Grab a large skillet and start sizzling ground beef with finely chopped sweet onions and green peppers. Keep stirring and breaking up the meat until it’s completely cooked and the vegetables turn soft and fragrant.

Drain away any extra grease from the skillet to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Scoop the fully cooked beef and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker, making sure to scrape every last flavorful bit from the skillet.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add these ingredients to the slow cooker:
  • Minced garlic
  • Pasta sauce
  • Tomato sauce
  • Petite diced tomatoes
  • Water
  • Italian seasoning
  • Granulated sugar

Stir everything together until well combined, creating a rich and aromatic base for your goulash.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. This slow cooking process helps blend all the wonderful flavors together.

Step 5: Add Pasta

About an hour before serving, toss in uncooked elbow macaroni. Give it a good stir to ensure the pasta is well-integrated with the sauce.

Cover and continue cooking until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming goulash into bowls.

Pair with crispy garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that will warm everyone’s heart.

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Slow Cooker American Goulash Recipe

Slow Cooker American Goulash Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker American goulash brings comfort to dinner tables with classic midwestern flavors. Rich ground beef and tender pasta combine for a satisfying one-pot meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 24 oz pasta sauce (Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce recommended)
  • 15 oz petite diced tomatoes
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 small sweet onion (finely diced)
  • 1 green pepper (finely diced, optional)
  • 2 tsp minced garlic (jarred or fresh)
  • 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef with diced onions and green peppers in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain excess fat.
  2. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
  3. Add minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and granulated sugar to the slow cooker. Mix ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Set slow cooker to low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 2-4 hours, allowing flavors to develop and meld together.
  5. During the final hour of cooking, introduce uncooked elbow macaroni into the slow cooker. Gently stir to integrate pasta throughout the sauce.
  6. Continue cooking until macaroni reaches desired tenderness, typically 30-45 minutes.
  7. Once pasta is cooked and sauce has thickened, turn off slow cooker and let stand for 5-10 minutes to allow slight cooling and further sauce absorption.
  8. Serve immediately with optional garnishes like fresh parsley or grated parmesan cheese, accompanied by garlic bread and crisp salad.

Notes

  • Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain thoroughly to reduce excess fat and create a lighter, less greasy dish.
  • Add macaroni only during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain the ideal texture, preventing mushy noodles.
  • Enhance the depth of taste by using a combination of tomato sauce varieties or adding a splash of red wine for complexity.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a leaner or vegetarian version of the classic goulash.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 367 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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