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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese 15-20 minutes before serving, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the sauce for a creamy consistency.
- Prepare macaroni simultaneously – either boil separately or add directly to the slow cooker 30 minutes before completion. Ensure sufficient liquid remains for pasta absorption.
- Perform final seasoning adjustment, tasting and adding salt and pepper as needed. Gently stir to distribute final seasonings throughout the dish.
- 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