Slow Cooker Beef Goulash

This slow cooker goulash is the kind of set it and forget it dinner that always brightens up a busy week. The aroma fills the house while macaroni soaks up a rich tomato and beef sauce and dinner nearly cooks itself. If you crave something cozy but cannot hang over the stove all day this one’s for you.

I first tried this recipe on a hectic weekday and we ended up eating all the leftovers for lunch. Even my picky eater asked for seconds so it is now on our regular rotation.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Choose ground chuck with some fat for the best flavor and juicy texture
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth look for bright crisp onions
• Beef broth: Gives richness and pulls everything together choose a low sodium brand to control salt
• Diced tomatoes: Adds a tangy and sweet note plus a little chunkiness
• Marinara sauce: Provides a well seasoned tomato base try to get one with minimal added sugar
• Tomato paste: Bumps up the depth of tomato flavor always buy double concentrated
• Bay leaf: Gives just the right herbal note use whole for easy removal
• Soy sauce: Delivers an umami punch use a good quality naturally brewed one
• Italian seasoning: Adds classic herbal notes go for a fragrant blend with oregano and basil
• Garlic powder: Gives subtle warm flavor make sure it is fresh and aromatic
• Paprika: Brings color and a mild smokiness choose a fresh vibrant powder
• Salt and pepper: You control both for the perfect balance grind yourself if possible
• Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that cooks right in the sauce buy good quality for best texture
• Sharp cheddar cheese or colby colby jack mozzarella cheese: Optional but adds creamy finish use freshly shredded cheese for best melt
• Fresh parsley: Optional for a bright garnish pick stems with crisp leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat and Onions:

In a large pan cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef loses all its pink and the onion turns soft and fragrant about five minutes This step develops important flavor and texture Drain any fat before moving on

Load Up the Slow Cooker:

Scrape the cooked meat and onions into your slow cooker Pour in beef broth add diced tomatoes and all their juices marinara sauce tomato paste and drop in the bay leaf Sprinkle over soy sauce Italian seasoning garlic powder paprika salt and pepper Stir to combine so everything is evenly mixed

Let the Flavors Develop:

Set your slow cooker to high and cook for two to three hours or low for four to six hours This long slow simmer will let the tomatoes mellow and the spices blend I find the longer cook on low gives the most flavor

Add the Pasta:

About forty five minutes before serving stir in the uncooked macaroni pasta directly into the slow cooker Make sure it is well submerged so it cooks evenly The noodles will take on all those rich flavors as they become tender

Finish and Serve:

Once the pasta is cooked take out the bay leaf Stir in shredded cheese if using for that extra creamy factor Scatter some fresh parsley over the top for a flash of color and brightness Serve your goulash hot and enjoy

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You Must Know

• Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully
• Stretches inexpensive pantry ingredients into a hearty meal
• Freezes well for future easy dinners

My personal favorite part is the way the beef and macaroni soak up that tomato sauce I remember making this during a snowy January weekend and everybody digging into steaming bowls right out of the slow cooker on the kitchen counter

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days To reheat simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and warm in the microwave or on the stove Goulash also freezes well so stash a portion in the freezer and thaw in the fridge overnight before warming

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of ground beef try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version Gluten free pasta works just swap in your favorite variety If you want extra veggies stir in some diced bell pepper or shredded zucchini with the onions For the cheese you can use any melty variety on hand or skip it for a lighter meal

Serving Suggestions

This goulash is plenty hearty on its own but you can always add a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side For bigger appetites a scoop of cottage cheese or some sliced pickles always gets rave reviews in my house Leftovers are amazing for next day lunches and travel well in a thermos

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Cultural Context

While classic Hungarian goulash is a soup or stew built around paprika and slow simmered meat American goulash has become a beloved casserole style dish It brings together macaroni beef tomatoes and seasonings all in one comforting pot I love that it is both familiar and endlessly adaptable to family tastes

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells or rotini. Adjust cooking times as needed so pasta is just tender.

→ Should the beef be browned before adding to the slow cooker?

Browning the beef and onions first adds flavor and removes excess fat, giving the final dish a richer taste and better texture.

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce when combining seasonings for an extra kick.

→ When should I add the macaroni?

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni during the last 45 minutes of slow cooking to ensure tender, not mushy, pasta.

→ Is cheese necessary in this dish?

Cheese is optional, but stirring in sharp cheddar or your favorite shredded cheese just before serving adds creaminess and flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Let leftovers cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if too thick.