Hearty Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Crafting a hearty slow cooker goulash brings comfort and warmth to your kitchen’s culinary landscape.

Tender beef chunks melt into a rich, paprika-infused sauce that promises deep Hungarian flavors.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic stew, making it a beloved one-pot meal.

Robust ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that warms both body and soul.

Spices dance through the sauce, connecting traditional techniques with modern convenience.

Minimal preparation lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular.

You’ll savor every bite of this soul-satisfying meal that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Slow Cooker Goulash: Cozy Comforts in Every Bite

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, giving you a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious time and energy.
• Comfort in a Pot: Packed with hearty ground beef, rich tomatoes, and cheesy goodness, this goulash delivers ultimate comfort food that hugs your taste buds and warms your soul.
• Kid-Approved Delight: With familiar ingredients like macaroni and ground beef, this recipe guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table, making mealtime a breeze for parents.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor – this goulash eliminates multiple pots and pans, offering a stress-free cooking solution for busy households and weeknight dinners.

Your Shopping List for Classic Slow Cooker Goulash

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base for the goulash that provides rich protein and meaty texture.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a deep, savory foundation for the dish with their aromatic qualities.

• Water, Bouillon Cubes: These components develop a rich, savory broth that adds depth to the goulash.
• Crushed Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes: Tomatoes provide a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that complements the meat.

• Worcestershire Sauce: A complex condiment that adds umami and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Bay Leaves: Provides a subtle herbal background note to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt: These seasonings enhance and balance the overall taste of the goulash.

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that absorbs the sauce and adds hearty texture to the dish.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, sharp flavor and melts beautifully into the goulash.

Preparing Slow Cooker Goulash Step by Step

Step 1: Sizzle The Beef

Brown the ground beef in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until completely cooked through and no pink remains.

Carefully drain excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Water
• Bouillon cubes
• Crushed tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes
• Worcestershire sauce
• Bay leaves
• Italian seasoning
• Salt

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Simmer And Develop Depth

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low setting for 4-5 hours or on high setting for 2 hours.

This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 4: Introduce Pasta

Thirty minutes before serving, add elbow macaroni to the slow cooker.

Stir gently and continue cooking until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Finish With Cheesy Goodness

Remove the bay leaves completely.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the goulash and stir until melted and incorporated.

Step 6: Dish Out Deliciousness

Ladle the hot goulash into bowls and serve immediately for the most satisfying meal experience.

Tips for a Rich and Hearty Goulash Every Time

• Pat ground beef with paper towels after draining to remove excess grease and prevent a greasy final dish.
• Brown beef first to develop deep, rich umami flavors that enhance the overall taste of the goulash.
• Add macaroni in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente consistency.
• Let cheese melt naturally by stirring it into the hot goulash, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
• Adjust salt and seasonings carefully, as bouillon cubes and Worcestershire sauce already contribute significant saltiness.

Goulash Variations to Please Every Family Member

• Vegetarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure bouillon cubes are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Hungarian Style: Add paprika, hot pepper flakes, and swap cheddar for spicy pepper jack cheese to boost heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Goulash at the Table

• Comfort Zone Companion: Pair this hearty goulash with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, meaty flavors and add a fresh crunch.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Serve alongside warm, buttered garlic bread or crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious tomato-based sauce and complete the meal.
• Family Style Feast: Top each serving with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped fresh parsley for a restaurant-style presentation that'll make everyone smile.
• Leftover Magic: Store in airtight containers for quick lunches, and the flavors will deepen overnight, making each bite even more delicious the next day.

Goulash Storage Tips for Busy Weeks

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping the goulash sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to drain any excess fat after browning.

• Do I need to precook the macaroni?

No, add uncooked macaroni directly to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will absorb the flavors and cook perfectly.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Also, ensure your bouillon cubes are gluten-free.

• Is this goulash recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild seasonings and cheesy texture make it a crowd-pleaser for children. Most kids love this comforting one-pot meal.

Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hungarian slow cooker goulash delivers rich, hearty comfort straight from Central European kitchens. Tender beef, paprika-infused broth, and slow-simmered vegetables promise a warming meal that connects you with traditional culinary roots.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 4 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 4 cups water
• 4 beef bouillon cubes
• 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15 ounces each) cans petite diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly cooked and no pink remains, approximately 7-10 minutes. Carefully drain excess fat and transfer meat into slow cooker.
2. Layer aromatic ingredients into the slow cooker, including diced onions, minced garlic, crushed and diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, bouillon cubes, and salt. Gently mix all components to ensure even distribution.
3. Secure slow cooker lid and allow mixture to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours or on high setting for 2 hours, developing rich, complex flavors.
4. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce elbow macaroni into the goulash. Stir thoroughly to integrate pasta and ensure even cooking.
5. Continue cooking until macaroni reaches perfect tenderness, absorbing the savory liquid and enhancing the dish’s overall texture.
6. Extract and discard bay leaves to prevent potential bitter undertones.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot goulash, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a creamy, indulgent finish.
8. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring optimal taste and consistency.

Notes

• Pat ground beef dry before browning to achieve a beautiful golden crust and enhance flavor development.
• Add macaroni only during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain perfect al dente texture and prevent overcooking.
• Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.
• Consider toasting Italian seasoning in the pan with browned beef to release deeper, more complex aromatic compounds before transferring to slow cooker.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg