The BEST Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe (Easy to Prep Ahead!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker goulash is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time. With tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner solution. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it simmer all day, and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicbell peppertomato saucediced tomatoesbeef brothsoy sauceseasoned saltItalian seasoningbay leavessugarblack pepperelbow macaronicheddar cheese (optional)

directions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.

Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.

Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper.

Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, soy sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, sugar, and black pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, add the elbow macaroni directly into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Continue cooking until the pasta is tender, about 20-30 minutes.

Remove bay leaves before serving.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesSlow cooking time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)Pasta cooking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 6.5-8.5 hours (low) or 3.5-4.5 hours (high)

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Mix in frozen corn or peas for extra veggies.

Top with sour cream or fresh parsley for a creamy or herby finish.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.You can also freeze the goulash (without pasta for best texture) for up to 2 months.Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and add freshly cooked pasta when serving.

FAQs

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes, cook the pasta separately and stir it in just before serving to avoid overcooking.

What’s the difference between American and Hungarian goulash?

American goulash uses ground beef and pasta, while Hungarian goulash typically features stew meat and paprika in a broth-based sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, swap the meat for plant-based ground meat or lentils and use vegetable broth.

Will the pasta get mushy?

If cooked too long, yes. Add it in during the last 30 minutes for best results.

Can I add cheese inside the goulash?

Absolutely—stir in shredded cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Do I need to brown the meat first?

It’s recommended for better flavor and texture, but not strictly necessary if you’re short on time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the volume.

Conclusion

The BEST Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe is a hands-off, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy days or easy weeknight dinners. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love. Give it a try, and enjoy comfort food at its finest—straight from your slow cooker.

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