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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce elbow macaroni into the goulash. Stir thoroughly to integrate pasta and ensure even cooking.
- Continue cooking until macaroni reaches perfect tenderness, absorbing the savory liquid and enhancing the dish’s overall texture.
- Extract and discard bay leaves to prevent potential bitter undertones.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot goulash, allowing it to melt smoothly and create a creamy, indulgent finish.
- 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