Slow Cooker Goulash — A Hearty Classic That Feeds the Soul
There are meals that nourish your body, and there are meals that nourish your spirit. Slow Cooker Goulash belongs firmly in the second category. It’s warm, comforting, deeply flavorful, and endlessly familiar — the kind of dinner that makes the whole house smell like something good is happening.
This version of American-style goulash is built for modern life: simple ingredients, slow cooker convenience, and a rich, savory flavor that tastes like you spent all day cooking (even though you didn’t). With tender ground beef, sweet bell peppers, a deeply seasoned tomato base, and perfectly cooked macaroni, this is the kind of dish that keeps families coming back for seconds.
The Story of American Goulash
American goulash is not the same as Hungarian goulash, though it shares the same roots. While Hungarian goulash is a paprika-rich stew traditionally made with chunks of beef and onions, American goulash evolved into a comforting one-pot meal featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and pasta.
This adaptation became popular in the mid-20th century as busy households needed hearty, economical meals that could stretch across multiple servings. It was affordable, filling, and endlessly adaptable — and soon became a staple in school cafeterias, church kitchens, and family dinner tables across the country.
Today, slow cookers have elevated this classic even further by allowing the flavors to meld slowly, creating a deeper and richer sauce than any quick stovetop version can provide.
Why This Slow Cooker Version Is Better
- Slow simmering builds deep, rich flavor
- No constant stirring or babysitting
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Freezer-friendly
- Customizable for different tastes and diets
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquid Base
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) tomato sauce
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
Pasta & Pantry
- 1 box dry elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. This step adds flavor and prevents excess grease from diluting the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic for the last minute.
Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef and vegetables into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3½ hours or LOW for 6–7 hours.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Cook macaroni separately according to package directions. Drain well.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
Stir cooked pasta and frozen peas into the slow cooker during the final 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate up to 5 days
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth
Variations
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version
- Add mushrooms for earthiness
- Swap peas for corn or green beans
- Add paprika for a nod to Hungarian roots
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker?
It’s not recommended — it becomes mushy and absorbs too much liquid.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — it contains no dairy as written.
Is this freezer friendly?
Yes, especially before adding pasta.
The Heart of This Recipe
Slow Cooker Goulash is the kind of meal that makes everyone feel welcome. It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it is comforting, filling, and familiar — the culinary equivalent of a warm blanket on a cold night.
It’s the meal you make when you want everyone at the table to feel fed, satisfied, and cared for.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping meals for the week, or bringing dinner to someone who needs it, this Slow Cooker Goulash is a recipe that delivers every time.
It’s dependable. It’s comforting. And it’s always delicious.
Make it once, and it will become part of your regular rotation.