WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
Slow Cooker American Goulash is a favorite comfort food that brings back memories of family dinners and warm kitchens. It combines ground beef, pasta, and savory sauces into one delicious dish. Cooking it in a slow cooker makes it even easier because you can set it and forget it. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully with time, creating a hearty meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s an economical choice that feeds a whole family, making it great for busy weeknights or gatherings.
HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker American Goulash
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion (finely diced)
- 1 green pepper (finely diced, optional)
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic (jarred or fresh)
- 24 ounces of pasta sauce (Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce is recommended)
- 8 ounces of tomato sauce
- 15 ounces of petite diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of water
- 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni
DIRECTIONS
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Brown the Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and crumble it as it cooks. Add the finely diced sweet onion and green pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook everything together until the meat is browned and the onions and peppers have softened. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Drain the Grease: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This will prevent your goulash from being too oily and keep the flavors fresh.
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Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the cooked beef mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
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Add the Sauces: In the slow cooker, add the minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together to mix well. Important: Do not add the elbow macaroni at this stage.
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Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. The long cooking time helps all the flavors blend together nicely.
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Add the Macaroni: About one hour before the cooking time is finished, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir well to incorporate the macaroni into the sauce.
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Finish Cooking: Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking until the noodles are tender. You can adjust this based on how soft you like your pasta.
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Serve: Once everything is cooked to your liking, serve the goulash hot. It pairs wonderfully with fresh garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker American Goulash
Serving Slow Cooker American Goulash is easy. You can ladle generous portions into bowls for everyone at the table. This dish is filling and comforting, so you might not need many sides. However, serving it with a simple salad or homemade garlic bread adds freshness and a crunchy texture that complements the warm, saucy goulash. If you want to make it extra special, sprinkle some grated cheese on top just before serving.
HOW TO STORE Slow Cooker American Goulash
If you have leftovers (which is likely with this hearty dish), storing them is simple. Let the goulash cool completely after serving. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the goulash. Allow it to cool down and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s hot.
TIPS TO MAKE Slow Cooker American Goulash
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Use Quality Meat: Opt for ground beef that isn’t too lean. A bit more fat can add flavor to the dish.
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Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots. They can boost the nutrition and color of the dish.
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Check Seasoning: Before serving, taste the goulash. You may want to add a little extra salt or pepper depending on your taste.
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Variations of Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta types like shells or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat and vegetable mixture the night before. Store it in the fridge, and just add it to the slow cooker in the morning.
VARIATIONS
American Goulash is a flexible recipe that allows for many variations. Here are a few ideas:
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Cheesy Goulash: Stir in some shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) toward the end of cooking for a creamy texture.
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Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños to give your goulash a bit of heat.
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Vegetarian Goulash: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of water to keep it rich in flavor.
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Casserole Version: After cooking, transfer the goulash to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake in the oven until bubbly.
FAQs
Can I cook this goulash overnight?
It’s not recommended to cook goulash on low overnight as it can overcook the pasta and vegetables. However, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook them in the morning.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the ingredients. If you are doubling the pasta, it’s best to add it towards the last hour of cooking as stated in the recipe.
How do I reheat goulash?
Reheat the goulash in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s hot. You can also use the microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring between, until warmed through.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate any vegetables you have on hand like carrots, corn, or peas. Just chop them and add them during the initial cooking stage.
By making Slow Cooker American Goulash, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating a warm, satisfying experience that brings family and friends together. Enjoy every bite!
Slow Cooker American Goulash
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and crumble it as it cooks.
- Add the finely diced sweet onion and green pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook everything until the meat is browned and the onions and peppers have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Carefully transfer the cooked beef mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- In the slow cooker, add the minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together, but do not add the elbow macaroni yet.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours.
- About one hour before the cooking time is finished, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir to incorporate.
- Continue cooking until the noodles are tender. Adjust based on how soft you like your pasta.
- Serve the goulash hot in generous portions. It pairs well with garlic bread and a side salad.