Easy Slow Cooker Goulash

Ah, goulash! The warm embrace of nostalgia wrapped in a comforting bowl of hearty ingredients. This dish has a tender spot in my heart. I remember my grandmother stirring up pots of this magical concoction every Sunday, filling the house with aromas that could make even the grumpiest of souls smile. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a way to create memories, share laughs, and savor moments that linger well into the evening. And the best part? You can have it bubbling away in your slow cooker while you tackle the day’s to-dos—or take a long, cozy nap!

Reasons to try it

So, why should you whip up this Slow Cooker Goulash tonight? Picture this: a rich blend of juicy ground beef mingling with the sweet warmth of fresh vegetables and the unabashed heartiness of elbow macaroni, all swimming in a savory tomato broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl—satisfying, filling, and downright comforting.

Not to mention, it’s versatile! Whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or preparing a dish to feed a pack, this recipe has you covered. Plus, you’re going to love how effortlessly it scales up for a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. And let’s not forget about the satisfaction of knowing it practically makes itself while you attend to life outside the kitchen. Trust me; you won’t want to miss this one!

Gather these ingredients

To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a handful of simple, but oh-so-essential ingredients. Let’s break them down, shall we?

• Ground Beef: A sturdy base for our goulash. Choose lean beef for a healthier option, or go with regular if you crave that extra richness.
• Onion, chopped: The aromatic foundation that brings a savory depth. A sweet onion works beautifully, but a yellow onion will do the trick too.
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Because garlic makes everything better! It adds a loveable kick that complements the beef.
• Bell Pepper, chopped: Adds a splash of color and sweetness. Grab a red, yellow, or green one; they all work!
• Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 ounces): These juicy gems provide acidity and freshness, balancing out the richness of the beef.
• Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): The sauce envelops everything in a luscious blanket. Use low-sodium for a healthier choice.
• Beef Broth (2 cups): It’s not just a liquid; it’s flavor! Go for homemade if you have it, or a good-quality store-bought broth will do just fine.
• Elbow Macaroni (2 cups): Classic comfort. Feel free to swap for gluten-free pasta if you need to, just adjust cooking times as needed.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tablespoon): This is your flavor bomb! A perfect blend of herbs that elevates the whole dish.
• Salt and Pepper to taste: Simple, yet essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• Shredded Cheese (1 cup, optional): A melty topping that takes your goulash to the next level. I can’t resist a cheesy finish!

How this recipe comes together

Ready to get cooking? Here’s the plan!

1. Combine the Goodness: In a slow cooker, toss in the ground beef, onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Don’t be shy; break up the beef a bit as you add it.
2. Add the Tomatoes: Next, plop in the diced tomatoes and pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Let those juices mingle!
3. Mix In Macaroni & Seasoning: Stir in the elbow macaroni along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Feel free to give it a little taste; adjust seasonings as you like.
4. Set It & Forget It: Cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded perfectly.
5. Cheesy Finish: When it’s time to serve, sprinkle that shredded cheese on top. Let it melt into the warm goulash and ooze goodness everywhere.
6. Enjoy the Journey!: Ladle it into bowls and savor each bite. You’ve earned it!

Best way to enjoy it

Ah, here’s where the magic happens! Serve your goulash hot, straight from the slow cooker, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or a lightly dressed salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, why not top it off with some extra cheese or fresh basil? And remember, this dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!

Storage and reheating tips

Let’s talk leftovers! Allow any remaining goulash to cool before transferring it into an airtight container—this will keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When it’s time to reheat, just pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop—add a splash of beef broth if it seems too thick after freezing. Always be mindful of food safety, ensuring it’s heated to the right temperature!

Extra tips and advice

Here are some cooking tips to elevate your goulash game:

• Brown the Beef: For extra flavor, consider browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. Just a little bit of extra effort can deepen the flavor profile.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: Slow cooking is the key here! Letting it simmer allows all the flavors to deepen and develop, creating that comforting amazingness in a bowl.
• Taste Along the Way: Adjust seasonings as you go. Everyone’s palate is different, so trust yours!

Creative Twists

Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, this goulash is a blank canvas! Want a smoky kick? Add some smoked paprika. Craving something spicier? A dash of cayenne will fire things up! Don’t have elbow macaroni? Try penne or even spiral pasta for a fun twist.

You can also load it with veggies! Toss in some zucchini or spinach towards the end of cooking for extra nutrients. The possibilities are endless—make it yours!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

How to prepare it

1. In a slow cooker, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. When ready to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top if desired.
6. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Your questions answered

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as a lighter option.

2. How can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the beef for lentils or beans, and use vegetable broth—still delicious!

3. What’s the best way to reheat goulash?

Microwave or heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth if it’s too thick.

4. How long does it take to prep?

Prep time is about 15 minutes; the slow cooker does the rest!

5. Can I freeze it?

Definitely! Just cool it down first and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

There’s something special about gathering around the table to share a meal, don’t you think? You’ve got a hearty dish that brings everyone together, and it’s so easy to make. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the magic, and dive into this comforting Slow Cooker Goulash. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to share your twists or feedback—I love being part of your culinary journey! Happy cooking!

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Easy Slow Cooker Goulash

Cooking Method: Slow Cooker Recipes Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy Non Vegetarian W Warm W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 38 mins Total Time 21 hrs 38 mins

Cooking Temp: low  C Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 400

Best Season: Winter

Description

Enjoy a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Goulash, with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in a savory tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (choose lean for a healthier option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (sweet or yellow onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce (low-sodium for a healthier option)
• 2 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or gluten-free pasta)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional topping)

Preparation Instructions

Cooking Procedure

1. In a slow cooker, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
   Mark as complete
2. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   Mark as complete
3. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
   Mark as complete
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
   Mark as complete
5. When ready to serve, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 10g50%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 5g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 30 mg

Calcium 150 mg

Iron 2.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 2 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.5 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 6 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 50 mcg

Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 25 mg

Zinc 5 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0.5 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish is great for leftovers and can be frozen! Just cool down before storing.

Keywords: goulash, slow cooker, beef, comfort food, pasta