Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker American Goulash

This easy crockpot goulash is the perfect cozy dinner for busy days. Slow-simmered ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich tomato-based sauce come together to create a warm and filling meal packed with comforting flavor. Adding the macaroni and peas near the end keeps the pasta tender and the vegetables bright without becoming mushy.

Ingredients

Meat & Vegetables

• 2 lbs ground beef
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cans (14½ oz each) tomato sauce
• 2 cans (14½ oz each) diced tomatoes

Pantry Staples

• 1 box dry elbow macaroni
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the ground beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

Add the diced onion and both bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic during the final minute.

Step 3: Add everything to the slow cooker

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir everything together well.

Step 4: Slow cook

Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 3½ hours so the flavors can blend into a rich, savory sauce.

Step 5: Cook the macaroni

About 1 hour before serving, prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain thoroughly.

Step 6: Finish the dish

Roughly 30 minutes before serving, stir the cooked macaroni and frozen peas into the slow cooker. Cover and let everything heat through on LOW or WARM until ready to eat.

Helpful Tip:
Adding the pasta toward the end helps prevent it from becoming overly soft while still allowing it to absorb the flavorful sauce.