Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe
All-day cozy and deeply saucy, this slow cooker goulash simmers tender beef, tomatoes, and elbow macaroni with warm spices for a family-friendly classic. A handful of cheddar at the end makes it extra comforting.
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Servings:
Ingredients
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 3/4 pounds ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 3 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Pasta & Finish
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Set the slow cooker to Low while you prep so it’s warm when the sauce goes in.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until mostly browned with some pink remaining, 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle in the paprika and red pepper flakes and cook 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the onion to the open space and cook until translucent, 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Pour in 1/2 cup of the beef broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Transfer the skillet contents to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the remaining broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and salt. Cover and cook on High for 2 1/2–3 hours or on Low for 5–6 hours, until the flavors are well combined.
- Increase the heat to High if needed. Stir in the elbow macaroni, re-cover, and cook until the pasta is just tender, 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway. If the mixture seems too soupy, uncover for the last 5 minutes to thicken.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves. Turn off the cooker, fold in the cheddar until melted, and let stand 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt before serving.
Notes
For pasta with the perfect bite, start checking at 18 minutes—the exact time varies by brand and slow cooker temperature. When reheating leftovers, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as the pasta continues to absorb liquid.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.