Looking for an easy, cozy meal? This Slow Cooker American Goulash is packed with ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and rich tomato flavors—a guaranteed family favorite that’ll bring you back for seconds.

You know those weeks when you’re juggling a hundred things, and the idea of cooking a “real” dinner feels as daunting as running a marathon? Well, that’s exactly when I stumbled on this goulash recipe. Let me tell you, it was pure luck. Picture this: a chilly weeknight, me standing in the kitchen, wondering how to feed a crowd with as little effort as possible. I wanted something hearty, something that would feel like a big, warm hug in a bowl. And voilà—American goulash entered the scene.

This recipe is the ultimate lazy-day savior. I’m talking about minimal chopping, no complicated steps, and a slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. The first time I made it, I remember peeking into the slow cooker halfway through and just getting this wave of that familiar, cozy smell—ground beef, tomatoes, a hint of garlic. It was like being back in my grandma’s kitchen. And when it was ready, that first taste? Let’s just say everyone went quiet and reached for seconds before anyone even said a word. There’s something about this goulash that just feels like home, and it’s been a staple around here ever since.

Why This Slow Cooker Goulash is a Winner

Alright, so why am I going on about this goulash? Because it’s one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. First off, it’s super low-effort. I mean, who wouldn’t love tossing a bunch of stuff in a pot, walking away, and coming back to a meal that’s practically served itself? Second, the ingredients are basic. None of that “fancy, hard-to-find spice from the Himalayas” nonsense here; we’re talking pantry staples. And the taste? Oh, it’s everything you want in a cozy dinner—savory, a touch sweet, and just a bit herby from the Italian seasoning. And don’t get me started on the pasta. There’s just something about elbow macaroni in a rich, saucy mix that makes everything feel right in the world, you know?

Ingredient Notes

This Slow Cooker American Goulash may be simple, but each ingredient pulls its weight. Here’s the rundown on why these basic staples work so well together:

Ground Beef: Ground beef is the real hero here. Go for lean if you want to keep things lighter, but honestly, a bit of fat doesn’t hurt. It adds that hearty flavor that makes you want to dig in.
Sweet Onion: Sweet onions are perfect for this dish. They cook down beautifully, adding just enough sweetness to balance all the tomatoey goodness.
Green Pepper: This one’s optional, but I’m telling you, if you’re looking for a little more flavor depth, add it in. Green pepper gives a slight bitterness that’s perfect here.
Pasta Sauce: Get a good one because this is where a lot of the flavor comes from. I’m partial to Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce (just love that garlicky punch), but honestly, use what you like.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: These give you that rich, saucy base, with the diced tomatoes adding a little texture. Together, they make sure every bite is nice and saucy.
Italian Seasoning: This is where the cozy, herby flavor comes in. Just a little sprinkle, and it brings everything together.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic! These little guys soak up the sauce without turning into mush. Plus, there’s something so nostalgic about elbow macaroni in goulash.
A Touch of Sugar: Just a spoonful does wonders. It’s that sneaky trick that smooths out the acidity of the tomatoes without making it sweet.

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How To Make This Slow Cooker American Goulash, Step-by-Step

Making this American goulash couldn’t be easier. Seriously, if you can brown ground beef and dump ingredients in a pot, you’re all set. Here’s how it goes:

Brown the Beef and Veggies: Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet with the diced onion and green pepper if you’re using it. This adds so much flavor to the beef and gets rid of the extra grease, so you’re left with pure deliciousness.
Load Up the Slow Cooker: Toss that beef mixture into the slow cooker, along with the garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and a tiny bit of sugar. Stir it all together, like you’re setting up the best slow-cooking party ever.
Set It and Walk Away: Put the lid on, set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 2-4 if you’re short on time), and go live your life. By the time you’re back, the slow cooker will have worked its magic.
Add the Macaroni: About an hour before it’s ready, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. This part is key—if you add it too early, it’ll get mushy. Cover it back up and let the pasta soak up all that saucy goodness.
Serve It Up: Grab a big ladle, fill your bowl, and get ready to dig in. Serve with some garlic bread if you’re feeling fancy, and maybe a salad if you want to pretend to be healthy.

Storage Options

If you somehow have leftovers (no guarantees here), storing this goulash is a breeze. Let it cool, then pack it up in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, which means you’ve got a quick lunch option waiting for you. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it saucy.

Freezing? Absolutely. This goulash freezes like a charm. Portion it into freezer bags or containers, and it’ll last for a couple of months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating to keep that perfect texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Looking to switch it up a bit? Here are a few ways to make this Crock Pot American Goulash your own:

Change Up the Protein: Not a fan of beef? Try ground turkey or even chicken. You’ll still get that hearty flavor, just a little lighter.
Add a Little Heat: For those of you who like a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño. Just enough to wake up the taste buds!
Try a Different Pasta: No elbow macaroni on hand? No worries—small pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work great too.
Sneak in More Veggies: You can easily add in some diced carrots, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach. They’ll blend right in and add some extra nutrition.
Go Low-Carb: Skip the pasta altogether and serve this as a thick, hearty stew. Or try it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still packs a ton of flavor.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Goulash

Cornbread – A little sweet, a little savory—crumbly cornbread is great for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – A bit unexpected, but the crispy, slightly caramelized flavor adds a nice contrast to the goulash.
Mashed Potatoes – For an extra-cozy touch, serve goulash over creamy mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting combo.
Cucumber Salad – Light and refreshing, with a bit of vinegar and dill; it balances out the richness with a crisp, cool bite.

So, there you have it—Slow Cooker American Goulash, a dish that’s easy, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying. I hope you give this one a try and find it as comforting as I do. Let me know how it goes, and hey, if you come up with your own twist on this, I’d love to hear about it!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!