Crock Pot American Goulash

Crock Pot American Goulash is an easy slow cooker dinner made with ground beef, pasta sauce, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni. This family-friendly comfort food recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and budget-friendly cooking. Made in one pot, this slow cooker goulash delivers rich tomato flavor with simple pantry ingredients like pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 24 oz pasta sauce (such as roasted garlic sauce)
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 15 oz petite diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef together with the diced onion and green pepper over medium heat. Break the meat apart as it cooks until fully browned and the vegetables are soft. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked beef mixture into a 4–6 quart slow cooker.
3. Add minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir well to combine. Do not add the pasta yet.
4. Cover and cook:
   • Low setting: 6–8 hours
   • High setting: 2–4 hours
     This allows the flavors to blend and develop.
5. About 1 hour before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover again and cook until the pasta is tender.
6. Mix well and serve warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker goulash is hearty, comforting, and packed with rich tomato flavor. It’s a simple one-pot meal that requires minimal effort but delivers a satisfying family dinner. The slow cooking process enhances the depth of flavor, making it taste like it simmered all day.

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Tips

• Add the pasta only at the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Drain excess grease from the beef for a lighter sauce.
• Stir once or twice during the final hour to ensure even cooking of the pasta.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for extra vegetables.
• Use spicy Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Replace elbow macaroni with shells, rotini, or penne pasta.

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FAQs

Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes, you can boil the pasta separately and mix it in just before serving to control texture.

Can I freeze goulash?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze it without the pasta, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Do I need to brown the meat first?
Yes, browning adds flavor and improves texture while removing excess fat.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this goulash hot with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top for extra flavor.