This Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is the epitome of comfort food. Tender ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and elbow macaroni are simmered in a rich tomato-based broth, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The addition of melted cheddar cheese brings a creamy, indulgent touch that elevates this dish to family favorite status.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead, this goulash is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner for one, this dish delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
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1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 cup beef bone broth (or beef broth)
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 cups elbow macaroni
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1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Directions:
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In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
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Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or on LOW for 4–6 hours.
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About 45 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Once the goulash is done cooking, stir in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
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Serve hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2–3 hours (HIGH) or 4–6 hours (LOW)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 500 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
The Comforting Heritage of Slow Cooker Beef Goulash
Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is more than just a convenient weeknight meal—it’s a culinary journey rooted in tradition, adapted for the modern kitchen. While the term “goulash” originates from Hungarian cuisine—typically made with chunks of beef, paprika, and other spices simmered into a rich stew—the American version has evolved into a heartwarming one-pot pasta dish. The slow cooker method adds convenience, allowing you to achieve deep, slow-simmered flavors with minimal hands-on time.
In the American adaptation, ground beef replaces traditional stew meat, pasta (usually elbow macaroni) is added for heartiness, and a blend of tomatoes and seasonings create a savory, slightly tangy sauce. The final touch? A generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese, which melts into the dish to give it that creamy, comforting richness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why This Goulash Is a Family Favorite
One of the biggest reasons this dish earns rave reviews in family kitchens is its universal appeal. It combines familiar flavors—tender beef, pasta, cheese, and tomatoes—into a cozy, soul-satisfying meal that both kids and adults love. There are no exotic spices or unfamiliar textures, just classic, down-to-earth goodness that fits beautifully into any meal plan.
Parents love it for its simplicity, and kids love it because it tastes like the best parts of a cheeseburger and pasta night rolled into one. It’s one of those rare dishes that is both nostalgic and practical, reminding many of the meals they grew up with but made even easier thanks to the slow cooker.
Time-Saving Convenience of the Slow Cooker
In a world where time is precious, the slow cooker has become a weeknight hero. With just a few minutes of prep time, this dish can simmer away while you go about your day. Whether you’re working from home, running errands, or simply trying to squeeze in some family time, having dinner practically cook itself is a blessing.
Using a slow cooker for goulash does more than just free up your schedule. It allows the flavors to develop more fully, creating a depth and richness that stove-top versions can struggle to replicate. The ground beef becomes ultra tender, the tomatoes sweeten slightly as they reduce, and all the ingredients meld into a cohesive, delicious harmony.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Slow Cooker Beef Goulash is also a dream come true for anyone who values meal prepping or batch cooking. It reheats exceptionally well and can even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to blend. Stored properly, it can last up to four days in the fridge and also freezes beautifully.
That makes it perfect not just for busy families but also for solo eaters or couples who want to cook once and eat multiple times. You can portion it into containers for grab-and-go lunches, or freeze it in batches for easy weeknight dinners down the line.
Easily Customizable to Fit Any Diet
Another benefit of this dish is how easily it adapts to various dietary preferences. Want to make it a bit healthier? Use ground turkey or lean ground beef, and toss in some chopped zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms. Need a dairy-free version? Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Trying to cut carbs? Swap out the pasta for whole wheat or low-carb noodles, or even zucchini spirals.
This recipe is also a great way to sneak vegetables into a picky eater’s diet. The rich tomato and cheese sauce masks flavors and textures, allowing you to blend in finely chopped veggies like spinach, cauliflower rice, or bell peppers.
A Dish That Feels Like a Warm Hug
The emotional value of comfort food cannot be overstated. Slow Cooker Beef Goulash isn’t just about feeding the body—it’s about nourishing the soul. The smell that fills your kitchen as it cooks is warm and inviting, the kind that reminds you of home and simpler times. Sitting down to a bowl of this dish after a long day can provide the kind of solace and satisfaction that only a truly hearty meal can offer.
In cold months, it’s a perfect winter warmer. In summer, it still works beautifully because the slow cooker keeps your kitchen cool while delivering a hot, delicious dinner. It’s one of those rare dishes that transcends seasons and occasions.
Ideal for Gatherings and Potlucks
Beyond being great for the family dinner table, this goulash is a go-to choice for gatherings and potlucks. It scales up easily, allowing you to double the recipe with no problem. Serve it in the slow cooker on a warm setting, and guests can help themselves to seconds. It pairs nicely with a simple salad, crusty bread, or even a glass of red wine for the adults.
Because it’s filling and universally appealing, you don’t have to worry about catering to picky eaters. Plus, it’s affordable to make, making it a smart choice for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
A Versatile Base for Other Recipes
Another reason this dish has such enduring popularity is its versatility. Use it as a base and build on it:
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Top it with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs and bake for a casserole-style twist.
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Stir in a splash of hot sauce or chili flakes if you like a little heat.
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Mix in corn or black beans for a Tex-Mex vibe.
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Add Italian sausage or pancetta for a richer, meatier version.
Once you’ve mastered the basic version, you’ll find dozens of ways to reinvent it.
Conclusion: A Must-Have in Every Home Cook’s Repertoire
Slow Cooker Beef Goulash isn’t just a recipe—it’s a staple. It brings together everything we love in a homemade meal: simplicity, affordability, flexibility, and above all, flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or just for yourself, this dish checks all the boxes.
From its roots in traditional European cuisine to its place on busy American dinner tables, goulash has stood the test of time. And with the ease of slow cooking, it’s never been more accessible or satisfying to prepare. Add this to your recipe rotation, and it’s sure to become one of your most-loved go-to meals.
Let the goulash cook while you enjoy your day—and let the compliments roll in at dinner.