This Slow Cooker American Goulash is a hearty comfort-food dinner made with ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, garlic, and a rich seasoned tomato sauce. It is warm, filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want an easy family meal with familiar ingredients.
The beef and tomato sauce cook slowly until deeply flavorful, while the macaroni is added near the end so it stays tender instead of becoming mushy. Serve it with garlic bread, a simple salad, or green beans for an easy complete dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hearty and family-friendly
- Uses inexpensive pantry ingredients
- Easy slow cooker preparation
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
- Easy to customize with cheese or vegetables
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
- Fresh parsley, optional for garnish
Ingredient Notes
Ground beef: Lean ground beef works best because it gives the goulash plenty of savory flavor without leaving too much grease in the slow cooker.
Tomatoes: Using crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes creates a rich sauce with both smooth and chunky texture.
Elbow macaroni: Classic elbow noodles are traditional for American-style goulash. Small shells or rotini can also be used.
Beef broth: Broth loosens the tomato sauce and adds savory flavor. Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
How to Make Slow Cooker American Goulash
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and diced onion.
- Cook, breaking the beef into crumbles, until no pink remains.
- Ground beef should reach at least 160°F.
- Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or High for 2 to 3 hours.
Add the Macaroni
For the best texture, cook the elbow macaroni separately until just shy of al dente, then drain it well.
Stir the pasta into the hot slow cooker mixture during the final 15 to 20 minutes. This lets the noodles absorb some of the sauce without becoming overly soft.
If you prefer a cheesier goulash, stir in one cup shredded cheddar just before serving.
Why Cook the Pasta Separately?
Dry pasta can be unpredictable in a slow cooker because different brands absorb liquid at different rates. If it cooks too long, the noodles can become soft and soak up too much sauce.
Cooking the macaroni separately gives you better control over the final texture while still allowing it to absorb plenty of flavor once stirred into the beef and tomato sauce.
How to Make the Sauce Thicker
If the goulash is thinner than you prefer, remove the lid and cook on High for about 15 to 20 minutes before adding the pasta.
You can also add another tablespoon of tomato paste for a thicker, richer tomato base.
Cheesy Goulash Variation
Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella after the macaroni is added.
Cover for a few minutes until melted, then stir gently for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Add More Vegetables
Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, or corn can easily be added to the recipe.
Bell peppers and mushrooms can cook with the beef, while softer vegetables such as zucchini are best added later so they do not become overly soft.
Spicy Variation
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for heat.
A teaspoon of chili powder also gives the tomato sauce a slightly smoky, warmer flavor.
What to Serve with American Goulash
Garlic bread, breadsticks, or warm dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up the tomato sauce.
For vegetables, serve the goulash with green beans, roasted broccoli, corn, carrots, or a crisp garden salad.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, so add a splash of beef broth or tomato sauce when reheating.
Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.
Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker American Goulash
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on Low
Total Time: About 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Quick Instructions
- Brown ground beef and onion to at least 160°F.
- Add garlic and transfer to slow cooker.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
- Cook on Low for 4 to 5 hours or High for 2 to 3 hours.
- Cook elbow macaroni separately until just shy of al dente.
- Stir pasta into the slow cooker during the final 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add optional cheddar cheese.
- Serve hot with bread or salad.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker American Goulash combines ground beef, elbow macaroni, tomatoes, and simple seasonings into a cozy dinner that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a family.
Keep the pasta out of the crockpot until the end for the best texture, and add a handful of cheddar when you want an extra-cheesy version.