Here’s a hearty and easy Crockpot Goulash recipe—perfect for a hands-off, comforting meal.
Ingredients (serves 6–8)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended):
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is soft.
- Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Add to Crockpot:
- Transfer meat mixture to the crockpot.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Add Pasta:
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked elbow macaroni.
- Cover and cook on high until pasta is tender (approx. 25–30 minutes).
5. Finish with Cheese:
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve:
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra cheese.
💡 Tips:
- For a creamier goulash, add ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
- You can also add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- If you like a thicker sauce, reduce the broth slightly or let the goulash cook uncovered for 10–15 minutes before adding pasta.
I can also give a 15-minute stovetop version of goulash if you want a quicker option without the crockpot. Do you want that version?