There is something wonderfully comforting about coming home to the smell of a warm, hearty dinner that has been slowly cooking all day. This Crockpot Goulash Recipe is the perfect example of simple comfort food done right. Made with tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, savory seasonings, and plenty of rich flavor, this family-friendly meal is satisfying, budget-conscious, and easy to prepare.
Unlike traditional Hungarian goulash, which is typically a paprika-rich stew made with meat and vegetables, American-style goulash is a comforting pasta dish featuring ground beef, tomato sauce, and macaroni. The slow cooker makes it especially convenient because it allows the flavors to develop while you take care of everything else.
Whether you're feeding a hungry family, preparing dinner after a busy day, or looking for a recipe that makes delicious leftovers, this Crockpot Goulash deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.
The best part? You can prepare most of the ingredients in just a few minutes, let the slow cooker do the work, and add the pasta toward the end so it finishes tender without becoming overly soft.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Goulash
Easy preparation: A few simple steps are all it takes to get this comforting dinner started.
Family-friendly ingredients: Ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and cheese are familiar favorites that work beautifully together.
Rich, savory flavor: Tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian-style seasonings create a delicious sauce that coats every bite.
Budget-friendly: Affordable pantry staples make this a practical meal for busy households.
Perfect for leftovers: The flavors continue to come together as the dish rests, making the leftovers just as appealing the next day.
Customizable: You can add vegetables, adjust the seasonings, use a different pasta shape, or finish the dish with shredded cheese.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find at most grocery stores.
Main Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Optional Add-Ins
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley for garnish
Additional shredded cheese for serving
You can keep the recipe simple or add a few extras to make it more flavorful. The optional ingredients are not essential, so feel free to use what you already have in your kitchen.
How to Make Crockpot Goulash
