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This Crock Pot American Goulash is a true comfort meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It lets you set it and forget it while filling your home with the delicious aroma of a hearty, tomato based sauce simmering together with ground beef and tender pasta. The long slow cook deepens the flavors, creating a dish that feels like a warm, familiar hug at the end of the day.
I first tried this recipe on a chilly weekend and was amazed by how the flavors aged so well over hours in the Crock Pot. Now it’s a go to whenever I want a satisfying, no fuss meal that everyone in the family enjoys.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: provides rich savory flavor and protein. You can swap for ground turkey or chicken if you want a leaner option
- Sweet onion: adds gentle sweetness and depth when cooked down slowly
- Green pepper: brings freshness and texture. If you dislike peppers, leave them out with no problem
- Fresh garlic: delivers vibrant, pungent aroma and taste (fresh cloves always make a difference here)
- Pasta sauce: choose a quality tomato based sauce your family likes. I favor Rao’s for its roasting garlic notes, but store brands work fine
- Tomato sauce: helps build a smooth, rich base (low sodium options are great if you’re watching salt)
- Petite diced tomatoes: if seasoned with herbs like basil and oregano, they add nice extra flavor
- Water: thins the sauce just a bit for perfect slow cooker consistency
- Italian seasoning: the classic herb blend to give the dish that familiar, comforting taste
- Granulated sugar: balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother flavor
- Elbow macaroni: traditional pasta shape here that holds the sauce well, but any short pasta works too
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Meat:
- Start by cooking the ground beef with chopped onions and diced green pepper in a large skillet over medium heat. Break apart the meat and stir frequently until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables soften, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
- Transfer the beef and veggie mixture to a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker. Stir in minced garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, petite diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and granulated sugar. Do not add the macaroni noodles yet. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 2 to 4 hours so that the sauce thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add the Pasta During the Last Hour:
- About an hour before serving, stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover the slow cooker again and cook until the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite to it usually about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your slow cooker. Stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking.
- Serve Hot with Garlic Bread and Salad:
- This goulash pairs wonderfully with fresh garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete comfort meal everyone will love.
My favorite part of this recipe is the fresh garlic which really lifts the dish with its bright aroma and flavor. This recipe has been a family staple for years and always prompts fond memories of cozy dinners around the table when life felt a little hectic but food brought us together.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If freezing, keep in a freezer safe bag or container for up to three months. Remember pasta tends to soak up sauce and get a bit soft after freezing so I prefer to cook my pasta slightly firmer if I plan to freeze leftovers.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken work great if you want a lighter option. You can swap the green pepper for diced zucchini or mushrooms if that suits your taste better. Use your favorite tomato sauces, but homemade marinara or a mix of crushed tomatoes can replace store bought too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crunchy garlic bread or cheesy Texas toast and a fresh green side salad. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese on top when hot for an extra comforting touch.
Enjoy a warm bowl of Crock Pot American Goulash for an easy, comforting weeknight dinner. Leftovers reheat well and make great lunches for the week.
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.