Hearty. Saucy. Classic comfort food.
This slow cooker goulash is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with that rich tomato-beef aroma and makes everyone ask, “Is it ready yet?” It’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 box dry elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup frozen peas
👩🍳 How To Make Crockpot Goulash
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat:
- Cook ground beef until fully browned.
- Add diced onion and peppers.
- Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess grease.
2️⃣ Slow Cooker Base
Transfer meat mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add:
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3½ hours
(or LOW for about 6–7 hours).
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta
About 1 hour before serving, cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain.
4️⃣ Finish the Goulash
Thirty minutes before serving:
- Stir cooked pasta into the slow cooker.
- Add frozen peas.
- Cover and let everything heat through and thicken.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Top with:
- Fresh parsley
- Shredded cheddar
- Parmesan cheese
Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
🔥 Helpful Tips
- Want thicker goulash? Let it sit uncovered 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Prefer softer pasta? Add it earlier.
- For extra richness, stir in ½ cup shredded cheese before serving.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes.
This is classic American-style goulash:
✔️ Meaty
✔️ Tomato-rich
✔️ Cozy
✔️ Perfect for leftovers
Even better the next day.
