Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Few dishes warm the soul and satisfy like a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe. Hearty ground beef, fragrant herbs, colorful veggies, and tender pasta all snuggle together in a rich tomato sauce, and your slow cooker does the heavy lifting! This is the kind of meal you make once, and—trust me—you’ll find yourself craving it every time the temperature drops or you need an easy, hands-off dinner for your family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe is blissfully simple, yet each plays a starring role. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a hit of rich tomato depth that really makes the dish shine.

• Ground Beef (1 pound): Use lean beef for rich, beefy flavor without excess grease.
• Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Offers sweet complexity and a subtle crunch in every bite.
• Jarred Minced Garlic (2 teaspoons): Packs a bold punch and makes prep a breeze.
• Green Bell Pepper (1, seeded and diced): Brings a sweet freshness and pop of color.
• Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce (2 cups): Lays down the savory, herby backbone for the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce (8 oz): Adds body and a touch of tang to the base.
• Diced Tomatoes, with juice (15 oz): Give the stew its chunky, rustic texture and juicy bursts.
• Water (1 cup): Helps everything simmer and keeps the goulash from getting too thick.
• Herb and Garlic Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Amplifies aroma and deepens the flavor profile.
• Pasta Noodles (6 oz, elbow macaroni or similar): The key to that classic old-school goulash vibe—don’t skip it!

How to Make Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

While this is technically optional, browning your ground beef in a skillet first adds a huge boost of savory depth and helps lock in the meat’s flavor. Cook the beef over medium heat, breaking it up until it’s just cooked through and lightly browned. Drain off the excess fat to keep the finished dish rich but not greasy. That quick extra step? Totally worth it!

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Next, toss your perfectly browned beef into your slow cooker along with the diced onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, tomato basil pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (juice included!), water, and your herb and garlic seasoning. Give everything a good stir so those flavors can start mingling right away. Don’t you just love one-pot recipes like this?

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Savory

Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker: go low and slow for 4 to 5 hours, or choose high if you’re short on time and want dinner ready in 2 to 3 hours. The aromas will fill your kitchen, and the mixture will bubble into a deeply flavorful base—all while you go about your day!

Step 4: Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked pasta noodles. Put the lid back on, and let the slow cooker gently finish cooking the noodles until they’re tender—this usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. They’ll soak up all that tasty sauce and become perfectly plump and flavorful.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Give everything one last delicious stir and dish up generous spoonfuls while piping hot. For the perfect finishing touches, sprinkle with shredded cheese or a handful of fresh parsley if you want to dress it up. Each bowl is pure comfort in every bite!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a shower of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that melty goodness or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color. If you crave a creamy twist, try a dollop of sour cream or even a few sliced green onions for crunch and kick!

Side Dishes

The best partners for the Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe are equally cozy: thick slices of buttered crusty bread to mop up the sauce, a simple side salad to add some crispness, or steamed green beans for a pop of color and balance. There’s really no wrong way to round out this meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, serve your goulash in individual bowls topped with garlic croutons for crunch, or ladle it over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a stick-to-your-ribs upgrade. For parties, you can even spoon it into baked bread bowls—fun, filling, and memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer cooled Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen and mingle beautifully overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch might be even better than today’s dinner.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer superstar. Portion any leftover goulash into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, undercook the pasta slightly before freezing to help maintain its texture after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave single servings or warm gently in a saucepan on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Stir occasionally and heat until steaming hot—the aroma will pull everyone back to the table in no time!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based “beef” crumbles to lighten things up or suit your dietary needs. Each brings its own unique twist, but the Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe will still shine.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Elbow macaroni is traditional and soaks up the sauce perfectly, but any short pasta, like penne, small shells, or rotini, will work if that’s what you have. Just watch the cooking time so the noodles stay tender but not mushy.

Do I need to brown the beef?

Browning the beef isn’t strictly required, but it adds richer flavor and a more pleasant texture. If you’re in a major rush, you can skip it—but I promise, taking a few minutes for this step elevates your Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe from “good” to “wow!”

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the meat and bump up the veggies—try adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even a can of kidney beans for protein. Just adjust seasoning as needed, and enjoy a hearty vegetarian take on the classic Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?

The key is to add the pasta just 25 to 30 minutes before serving and not earlier. Check the noodles after 25 minutes for the perfect bite; they should be tender but still hold their shape nicely in the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that practically cooks itself, you’ll fall in love with this Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe. It’s easy, flexible, and guaranteed to keep bellies full and hearts happy. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food!

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