Hearty Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe: Family Comfort In One Pot

Hearty beef stews with rich, slow cooker goulash flavors bring comfort to every kitchen table.

Hungarian culinary traditions shine through this delectable dish.

Tender chunks of beef simmer alongside sweet paprika and robust vegetables.

Aromatic spices meld together, creating a symphony of taste that warms you from the inside out.

The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this classic European-inspired recipe.

Savor every spoonful of this soul-satisfying goulash that promises to become a family favorite.

Why This Slow Cooker Goulash Is a Favorite

• Skip complicated kitchen techniques with this foolproof slow cooker method that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, delicious meal without constant monitoring.
• Combine multiple ingredients in a single appliance, allowing spices and seasonings to meld together beautifully, creating deep, rich flavors that taste like they've been simmering all day.
• Perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone seeking a comforting dinner that can be customized with extra vegetables, different cheese types, or protein variations to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Delivers a classic comfort food experience that appeals to both kids and adults, with cheesy, satisfying textures and familiar ingredients that make mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

What You Need for Crockpot Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the goulash.
• Pasta: Macaroni noodles that create a comforting base for the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy texture and sharp flavor to the goulash.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add sweetness and depth to the recipe.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic base flavor to the dish.

• Broth, Tomatoes: Create a flavorful sauce that helps cook and bind the ingredients together.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the goulash.

How to Make Goulash in a Slow Cooker

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it develops a rich, golden color.

The caramelization will create depth and intensity in your final dish.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the goulash from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Chopped onions
• Diced red bell peppers
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Crushed tomatoes

Stir everything together to create a harmonious flavor base that will make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.

Step 3: Let the Magic Happen

Cover the slow cooker and set it to work.

Choose high heat for 2-3 hours or low heat for 4-6 hours.

For maximum flavor development, you can even let it simmer up to 8 hours.

The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld and intensify.

Step 4: Embrace the Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Watch as the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a luxurious, creamy texture that elevates the entire dish.

Step 5: Pasta Perfection

You have two options for the pasta:

Option 1: Cook macaroni separately and add just before serving

Option 2: Add dry macaroni directly to the slow cooker 30 minutes before finishing.

Ensure there’s enough liquid for the pasta to cook perfectly.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Taste the goulash and adjust seasonings as needed.

Give it a final stir, then serve hot in deep bowls.

Garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Goulash Tips for Rich Flavor

• Brown ground beef thoroughly in a hot skillet to develop deep, caramelized notes that enhance the overall taste of the goulash.
• Ensure adequate broth or liquid when adding pasta directly to the slow cooker to prevent dry, undercooked noodles.
• Add shredded cheese near the end of cooking and stir gently to create a smooth, creamy sauce without texture issues.
• Taste before adding extra salt, as broth and cheese already contribute significant sodium to the dish.
• Store goulash in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, and reheat gently to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.

How to Save and Reheat Goulash

• Store leftovers in sealed glass or plastic containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly closed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Flat storage saves space in your freezer.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Pour goulash into saucepan over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally, ensuring even heating. Cook until steaming hot and reaching 165°F throughout, approximately 7-10 minutes.

Goulash-Friendly Pairings

• Taste Enhancing Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the hearty beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the richness with its bold character.
• Comfort-Boosting Side Dish: Serve warm crusty garlic bread or homemade cornbread alongside the goulash, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adding textural contrast.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Crack open a crisp Czech-style pilsner beer that echoes the dish's Eastern European roots, providing a light, hoppy balance to the robust goulash.
• Flavor-Balancing Salad: Prepare a tangy cucumber and dill salad with a light vinaigrette to add freshness and cut through the meat's richness, creating a well-rounded meal experience.

Fun Twists on Slow Cooker Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or use cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Hungarian Style: Increase the heat by adding smoked paprika, hot paprika, or diced jalapeños. This variation brings an authentic Hungarian kick to the traditional recipe.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium broth, reduce added salt, and choose no-salt-added canned tomatoes. Select a reduced-sodium cheese to cut down on overall salt content while maintaining delicious taste.

FAQs

• What makes goulash different from other pasta dishes?

Goulash is a traditional Hungarian stew that combines meat, vegetables, and paprika, creating a rich, hearty meal with deeper, more complex flavors compared to typical pasta recipes.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid after browning to maintain the right consistency.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the traditional recipe includes pasta. To make it gluten-free, simply replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta or use alternative grain options like quinoa or rice.

• How spicy is this goulash?

This version is mild and family-friendly. If you want more heat, you can add red pepper flakes or use hot paprika to increase the spice level according to your preference.

Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian comfort meets modern convenience in this hearty Slow Cooker Goulash, blending tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and classic European flavors. Rich, warming spices and slow-simmered meat invite hungry diners to savor a soul-satisfying meal straight from Central European kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 1 28-ounce (794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups bone broth (or chicken broth or beef broth)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned, ensuring a rich flavor profile. Drain excess fat thoroughly before transferring to the slow cooker.
2. Combine chopped onions, red bell peppers, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, broth, and tomatoes in the slow cooker. Mix ingredients completely to distribute flavors evenly.
3. Set slow cooker to high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours. The extended cooking time allows flavors to meld and intensify, creating a deep, robust taste.
4. Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese 15-20 minutes before serving, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the sauce for a creamy consistency.
5. Prepare macaroni simultaneously – either boil separately or add directly to the slow cooker 30 minutes before completion. Ensure sufficient liquid remains for pasta absorption.
6. Perform final seasoning adjustment, tasting and adding salt and pepper as needed. Gently stir to distribute final seasonings throughout the dish.
7. Serve hot, allowing the rich, hearty goulash to be the centerpiece of a comforting meal.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
• Consider using whole wheat macaroni for added nutritional value and a slightly nutty flavor profile.
• Customize the heat level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika for an authentic Hungarian twist.
• Swap out regular cheese for lactose-free or plant-based alternatives to make the recipe more inclusive for different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg