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This Crock Pot American Goulash is the perfect comfort meal that takes the stress out of dinner. It’s a fix—it—and—forget—it kind of recipe where all the flavors meld beautifully over hours of slow cooking. With ground beef, tomato-based sauces, and tender macaroni, this dish reliably satisfies after a long day and brings the family together around the table.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite—one evening I set it up before work and came home to a house filled with the aroma of warm tomatoes and simmered herbs. The kids now ask for it on every chilly evening.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: provides the hearty protein base — choose lean for less grease
- Sweet onion: adds sweetness and depth — pick firm and shiny bulbs
- Green pepper: brings freshness and subtle sweetness — pick bright and firm peppers
- Garlic: essential for flavor punch — fresh cloves work best for robust aroma
- Pasta sauce: gives richness — Rao’s is a great choice but choose your family’s favorite
- Tomato sauce: creates a smooth tomato foundation — low-sodium versions help control salt
- Petite diced tomatoes: adds texture and seasoned flavor — look for basil or garlic-infused
- Water: balances thickness — just enough to meld the sauces
- Italian seasoning: blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic taste
- Granulated sugar: balances tomato acidity for a mellow flavor
- Elbow macaroni: classic pasta shape here — any small pasta will work as long as the quantity is the same
Instructions
- Brown and Crumble Meat:
- Cook ground beef along with diced onions and green peppers in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy. If your slow cooker has a sauté setting, you can use that to cut down on dishes.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the cooked meat and vegetables into a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker. Add garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and granulated sugar. Stir thoroughly but do not add the macaroni noodles yet.
- Simmer Long and Slow:
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low for 8 to 10 hours or high for 2 to 4 hours. Since the beef and veggies are already cooked, this step allows the flavors to meld deeply and the tomato sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Macaroni Noodles Late:
- During the last hour of cooking, stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover again and continue to cook until the noodles are tender but still have some bite. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once noodles are perfectly cooked, serve the goulash hot. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete comforting meal.
The petite diced tomatoes with added seasoning are my favorite ingredient here because they bring bursts of herb-infused sweetness throughout the dish. I remember the first time I made this recipe on a cold winter evening. The house smelled like a warm Italian kitchen, and everyone gathered eagerly at the table, steaming bowls in hand.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. For freezing, place in a freezer-safe bag, lay flat, and freeze for up to three months. Pasta texture will soften with freezing so if you prefer firmer noodles, freeze the sauce separately next time.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground Italian sausage or ground turkey work well instead of beef for different flavors. Bell peppers can be omitted if not your favorite or replaced with mushrooms for an earthier bite. Use your preferred pasta shape but adjust cooking time if noodles differ significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty garlic bread or fresh garden salad to round out the meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh basil on top adds a nice finishing touch. Pairing it with a light red wine like Chianti elevates this cozy dinner occasion.
Enjoy this hearty, comforting goulash any night of the week. Leftovers reheat well and make an easy lunch.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What is American goulash?
American goulash is a dish combining ground beef, pasta, and a tomato-based sauce with Italian herbs, differing from Hungarian goulash.
- → Can I use different meats in this dish?
Yes, Italian sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey can be used as alternatives to ground beef.
- → How do I cook this in a slow cooker?
Brown meat with onions and peppers, add sauces and seasonings to the slow cooker, cook low for 8-10 hrs, then add pasta for the last hour.
- → What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but any pasta shape can be used as long as the same amount is maintained.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.