Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

Introduction

American Goulash is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal perfect for busy days. This slow cooker version allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 green pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 24 ounce jar pasta sauce (I like Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce)
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown and crumble the ground beef in a large skillet along with the finely diced sweet onion and green pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened, then drain any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and granulated sugar. Do not add the macaroni yet.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Step 5: About one hour before serving, add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir well, cover, and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente or cooked to your preference.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, ideally with fresh garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• If you prefer softer pasta, add the elbow macaroni 1½ hours before the end of cooking time.
• Use your favorite pasta sauce to customize the flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shapes like shells or rotini work well. Just adjust the timing to ensure the pasta cooks through without becoming mushy.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

Yes, browning the beef with onions and peppers develops deeper flavor and improves the overall texture of the dish.

Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 127 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) / 2 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Crock Pot American Goulash is a comforting, easy-to-make one-pot meal filled with tender ground beef, vibrant vegetables, tangy tomato sauces, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Slow-cooked to meld flavors beautifully, it’s perfect for a hearty family dinner with minimal hands-on time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
• 1 green pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 24 ounce jar pasta sauce (such as Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce)
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown and crumble 1 pound of ground beef along with the finely diced sweet onion and green pepper. Cook until the beef is fully done and the onions and peppers have softened. Drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy dish.
2. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the cooked ground beef mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker, forming the base of your goulash.
3. Add Tomato Sauces and Seasoning: Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic, the jar of pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, 1 cup of water, Italian seasoning, and granulated sugar. Do not add the macaroni at this stage to prevent overcooking.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. This slow simmering allows the flavors to develop fully and the sauce to thicken nicely.
5. Add Macaroni: About an hour before serving, add 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir well, cover, and continue cooking until the noodles are just tender or to your preferred doneness.
6. Serve: Once the macaroni is cooked, serve the goulash hot. It pairs wonderfully with fresh garlic bread and a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can omit the green pepper if preferred or substitute it with another vegetable like mushrooms for added texture.
• Use Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce or a similar high-quality pasta sauce for deeper flavor.
• Ensure to add the macaroni only during the last hour of cooking to avoid mushy noodles.
• Leftovers reheat well and can make great next-day lunches.
• For a lower fat option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours low or 2-4 hours high in slow cooker
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crock Pot goulash, slow cooker goulash, beef goulash, American goulash recipe, easy slow cooker meals