Crock Pot Goulash Simple and Savory Weeknight Meal

July 25, 2025 by Lillian

Looking for a simple, hearty meal for your busy weeknight? My Crock Pot Goulash is the solution! This dish is packed with flavor and easy to make, so you won’t spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can prepare a tasty dinner your family will love. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started on your next favorite recipe!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Crock Pot Goulash

To make a tasty Crock Pot goulash, you need these main ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 green bell pepper, diced

– 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

– 2 cups beef broth

– 2 cups elbow macaroni

– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

These ingredients blend well to create a hearty dish. The ground beef gives the goulash a rich flavor. Onions and garlic add depth, while the tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy taste. The elbow macaroni soaks up all the great flavors, making every bite satisfying.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

You can enhance your goulash by adding a few optional ingredients:

– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 teaspoon dried basil

– 1 cup corn

These add-ins boost the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Mixed vegetables add color and crunch. Worcestershire sauce gives a savory touch. Dried basil brings a fresh aroma, while corn adds sweetness. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!

Best Types of Beef for Goulash

The best beef for goulash is usually ground beef. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a perfect blend of fat and flavor. This ratio keeps the meat juicy and tender. However, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Both work well and still taste great in the goulash.

Now, with the ingredients ready, you can dive into making this easy and tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation: Browning the Meat

First, heat a pan over medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef. Cook it until brown. This step adds flavor and texture. Drain any excess fat to keep it light. Once cooked, you can set the beef aside.

Adding Ingredients to the Crock Pot

Now, transfer the browned beef to your crock pot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Pour in one can of tomato sauce and one can of diced tomatoes. Stir all the ingredients together. Next, add two cups of beef broth. Include two cups of elbow macaroni, two teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and one teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix everything well to blend the flavors.

Cooking Times and Temperature Settings

Cover the crock pot with its lid. You have two options for cooking time. If you set it on low, it will take about six to eight hours. If you choose high, it will take about three to four hours. Check the pasta for tenderness near the end of cooking. The flavors should meld together nicely. When you’re ready to serve, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt for a delicious finish. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Flavor Balance

To get the best taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and onions add depth. Choose good-quality beef broth for rich flavor. Italian seasoning and paprika give warmth and spice. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

Enhancing Texture: Cooking Pasta in the Crock Pot

Cooking pasta in the crock pot is easy. Add the elbow macaroni in the last hour of cooking. This keeps it from getting mushy. If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately. Then, stir it in just before serving. This way, it stays al dente.

Presentation Tips: Serving Suggestions

Serving your goulash well makes it more inviting. Use deep bowls to hold the goulash. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. A handful of shredded cheddar cheese adds creaminess. For a touch of crunch, serve with crusty bread or garlic toast. Enjoy the lovely look of your meal!

For the full recipe, check my Hearty Crock Pot Goulash.

Variations

Vegetarian Crock Pot Goulash Recipe

You can easily make a vegetarian version of goulash. Replace the ground beef with a mix of beans. Black beans, kidney beans, or lentils work well. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more veggies too! Carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms will enhance the flavors. For a creamy touch, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream before serving.

Spicy Twist: Adding Jalapeños or Hot Sauce

If you like heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Chop fresh jalapeños and stir them in before cooking. You can also use pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick. If you prefer hot sauce, drizzle some into the crock pot. Start with a small amount, taste it, and add more if needed. This will give your goulash a fun, spicy twist!

Alternative Proteins: Turkey or Sausage Options

You can switch up the protein in your goulash too. Ground turkey is a leaner choice. It cooks the same way as beef. For a richer taste, try using Italian sausage. Remove the casing and brown it like you would the beef. The spices in the sausage will add depth to your dish. You can find both at your local store.

For the full recipe, don’t forget to check back for details!

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Leftovers

To keep your Crock Pot goulash fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down before sealing it. This helps avoid moisture build-up. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date to keep track. Using clear containers helps you see what’s inside.

Reheating Instructions for Crock Pot Goulash

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat your goulash gently. You can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, place the goulash in a pot over low heat. Stir often to heat evenly. If using the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it from drying out.

Freezing Options and Tips

You can freeze Crock Pot goulash for later. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. This allows room for expansion as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry after thawing. Enjoy a warm, hearty meal anytime! For the full recipe, check out the section above.

FAQs

Can I make Crock Pot Goulash without meat?

Yes, you can! To make a meatless goulash, use beans or lentils. They add protein and fiber. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. This way, you still get a hearty dish that fills you up. I love using kidney beans and black beans for extra flavor. They hold up well in the slow cooker.

How can I thicken my goulash?

If your goulash is too thin, you have a few options. You can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir it in during the last hour of cooking. You can also add more pasta. The noodles soak up the liquid as they cook. Lastly, you can let the goulash sit with the lid off for a while. This helps steam escape and thickens the sauce.

What sides pair well with goulash?

Goulash goes well with many sides. A simple green salad is a great choice. It adds freshness to the meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread. These options are great for soaking up the sauce. If you want something warm, try a side of steamed vegetables. They add color and nutrients to your plate. For a fun twist, serve goulash with a side of pickles. The tangy flavor complements the savory dish perfectly.

For the Full Recipe, check out the main section above.

In this article, we covered how to make delicious Crock Pot goulash. We explored the key ingredients and shared tips for the best flavor and texture. You learned about variations like vegetarian options and how to store leftovers properly.

Enjoy experimenting with this comforting dish and make it your own. Remember, great cooking is all about finding what works for you. Happy cooking!

$To make a tasty Crock Pot goulash, you need these main ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes - 2 cups beef broth - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping) These ingredients blend well to create a hearty dish. The ground beef gives the goulash a rich flavor. Onions and garlic add depth, while the tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy taste. The elbow macaroni soaks up all the great flavors, making every bite satisfying. You can enhance your goulash by adding a few optional ingredients: - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 cup corn These add-ins boost the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Mixed vegetables add color and crunch. Worcestershire sauce gives a savory touch. Dried basil brings a fresh aroma, while corn adds sweetness. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! The best beef for goulash is usually ground beef. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a perfect blend of fat and flavor. This ratio keeps the meat juicy and tender. However, you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Both work well and still taste great in the goulash. Now, with the ingredients ready, you can dive into making this easy and tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above! First, heat a pan over medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef. Cook it until brown. This step adds flavor and texture. Drain any excess fat to keep it light. Once cooked, you can set the beef aside. Now, transfer the browned beef to your crock pot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Pour in one can of tomato sauce and one can of diced tomatoes. Stir all the ingredients together. Next, add two cups of beef broth. Include two cups of elbow macaroni, two teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and one teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Mix everything well to blend the flavors. Cover the crock pot with its lid. You have two options for cooking time. If you set it on low, it will take about six to eight hours. If you choose high, it will take about three to four hours. Check the pasta for tenderness near the end of cooking. The flavors should meld together nicely. When you're ready to serve, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt for a delicious finish. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get the best taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic and onions add depth. Choose good-quality beef broth for rich flavor. Italian seasoning and paprika give warmth and spice. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. Cooking pasta in the crock pot is easy. Add the elbow macaroni in the last hour of cooking. This keeps it from getting mushy. If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately. Then, stir it in just before serving. This way, it stays al dente. Serving your goulash well makes it more inviting. Use deep bowls to hold the goulash. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. A handful of shredded cheddar cheese adds creaminess. For a touch of crunch, serve with crusty bread or garlic toast. Enjoy the lovely look of your meal! For the full recipe, check my Hearty Crock Pot Goulash. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of goulash. Replace the ground beef with a mix of beans. Black beans, kidney beans, or lentils work well. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add more veggies too! Carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms will enhance the flavors. For a creamy touch, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream before serving. If you like heat, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Chop fresh jalapeños and stir them in before cooking. You can also use pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick. If you prefer hot sauce, drizzle some into the crock pot. Start with a small amount, taste it, and add more if needed. This will give your goulash a fun, spicy twist! You can switch up the protein in your goulash too. Ground turkey is a leaner choice. It cooks the same way as beef. For a richer taste, try using Italian sausage. Remove the casing and brown it like you would the beef. The spices in the sausage will add depth to your dish. You can find both at your local store. For the full recipe, don’t forget to check back for details! To keep your Crock Pot goulash fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down before sealing it. This helps avoid moisture build-up. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date to keep track. Using clear containers helps you see what’s inside. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat your goulash gently. You can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, place the goulash in a pot over low heat. Stir often to heat evenly. If using the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps it from drying out. You can freeze Crock Pot goulash for later. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. This allows room for expansion as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry after thawing. Enjoy a warm, hearty meal anytime! For the full recipe, check out the section above. Yes, you can! To make a meatless goulash, use beans or lentils. They add protein and fiber. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. This way, you still get a hearty dish that fills you up. I love using kidney beans and black beans for extra flavor. They hold up well in the slow cooker. If your goulash is too thin, you have a few options. You can add a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir it in during the last hour of cooking. You can also add more pasta. The noodles soak up the liquid as they cook. Lastly, you can let the goulash sit with the lid off for a while. This helps steam escape and thickens the sauce. Goulash goes well with many sides. A simple green salad is a great choice. It adds freshness to the meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread. These options are great for soaking up the sauce. If you want something warm, try a side of steamed vegetables. They add color and nutrients to your plate. For a fun twist, serve goulash with a side of pickles. The tangy flavor complements the savory dish perfectly. For the Full Recipe, check out the main section above. In this article, we covered how to make delicious Crock Pot goulash. We explored the key ingredients and shared tips for the best flavor and texture. You learned about variations like vegetarian options and how to store leftovers properly. Enjoy experimenting with this comforting dish and make it your own. Remember, great cooking is all about finding what works for you. Happy cooking!$