Crock Pot American Goulash

This Crock Pot American Goulash is a true comfort meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish simmers slowly in the crock pot so all the ingredients meld together into a hearty and satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

I first tried making this during a hectic week and loved how I could start it in the morning and come home to a warm, comforting meal. Now it’s a go-to family favorite for those busy days when I want food ready without fuss.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: classic base for this dish, but you can swap in Italian sausage, ground turkey, or chicken depending on your preference
• Sweet onion: adds sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes look for firm, unblemished onions
• Green bell pepper: contributes a fresh, slightly sharp bite omit or substitute if you’re not a fan
• Fresh garlic: brings robust aroma and flavor fresh is best but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch
• Pasta sauce: choose your favorite jarred variety such as Rao’s roast garlic for a gourmet touch or a budget-friendly brand for everyday meals
• Tomato sauce: using low or no sodium versions helps control saltiness in the dish
• Petite diced tomatoes with seasoning: enhances complexity without extra steps basil, oregano, and garlic blend is ideal
• Water: helps balance thickness and allows flavors to meld evenly
• Italian seasoning: blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to give that classic Italian American flavor profile
• Granulated sugar: just a pinch to mellow acidity and harmonize the tomato sauces
• Elbow macaroni: traditional pasta shape here, but any small pasta will work quality pasta cooks more evenly and holds up better during long cooking

Instructions

Brown the Meat:

Cook ground beef, diced onion, and chopped green pepper over medium heat in a large skillet until meat is fully browned and vegetables have softened. Drain excess grease carefully to avoid a greasy sauce. If your slow cooker has a sauté function, you can do this step right in it to save dishes and time.

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:

Transfer the browned meat and vegetable mixture into a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker. Stir in fresh minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and granulated sugar. Do not add the macaroni noodles yet as they would overcook during the long simmer.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 2 to 4 hours. Since all ingredients are already cooked, this slow cooking simply melds flavors and softens everything into a comforting stew like consistency.

Add the Pasta:

During the last hour of cooking, stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover again and cook until the pasta is al dente or to your preferred tenderness. This method prevents mushy noodles and ensures they soak up that delicious sauce.

Serve and Enjoy:

Dish up the goulash with fresh garlic bread and a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to round out a warm and satisfying meal.

I have a soft spot for the petite diced tomatoes with seasoning here because they add so much flavor without needing extra herbs or effort. One family memory that stands out is my kids asking for seconds and calling it spoon spaghetti because it was so easy to eat and so comforting after a cold day.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. When freezing, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating to prevent soggy noodles. Alternatively, freeze the entire dish but expect the pasta texture to soften upon thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Replace green pepper with finely chopped zucchini or omit if disliked. For a vegetarian twist, swap ground meat for sautéed mushrooms and add beans for protein. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, combine dried basil, oregano, and thyme.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this goulash with garlic bread or cornbread to soak up the sauce. Add a side of mixed greens or steamed vegetables for freshness. Top with grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy touch.

This Crock Pot American Goulash is perfect for busy nights and tastes even better the next day. Enjoy with garlic bread and a green salad.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What distinguishes American goulash from Hungarian goulash?

American goulash features ground beef, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce, while Hungarian goulash is a thick stew with chunks of meat and vegetables seasoned with Hungarian paprika.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?

Yes, Italian sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey can be used interchangeably for different flavors and textures.

→ When should the macaroni noodles be added during cooking?

Add the macaroni during the last hour of cooking to ensure noodles are cooked al dente and absorb the flavors effectively.

→ How do I store leftovers properly?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

→ What is the benefit of simmering the sauce for a long time?

Long simmering allows flavors from the tomatoes, spices, and meat to blend deeply, enriching the dish’s taste and aroma.