Crock Pot Goulash Recipe

Introduction

Crock Pot Goulash is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful, one-pot meal with minimal effort. This easy-to-make recipe brings together ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings that meld together over hours of slow cooking, resulting in a dish that is full of rich flavors. Goulash, a classic comfort food, is a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your tastes and can be made in a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while it simmers to perfection.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. This version of Crock Pot Goulash combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and a hint of cheese, making it an all-in-one meal that’s filling and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to feed a crowd, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Goulash

• Simple Ingredients: Made with basic pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and seasonings, Crock Pot Goulash requires very little preparation and uses affordable ingredients.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of beef, pasta, and vegetables makes for a substantial meal that can feed a crowd, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
• One-Pot Meal: This dish is easy to make in one pot – your slow cooker – reducing clean-up time and making it a low-maintenance recipe for busy days.
• Rich and Flavorful: The slow-cooked flavors really shine through. The beef becomes tender, and the sauce thickens, creating a mouth-watering dish that everyone will love.
• Customizable: You can tweak this recipe by adding your favorite veggies, herbs, or spices to make it your own. From bell peppers to olives or even a dash of hot sauce, the possibilities are endless.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Crock Pot Goulash:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 3 cups elbow macaroni (or other short pasta)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar)

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Additional shredded cheese (mozzarella or Parmesan)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Red pepper flakes (for some extra heat)
• Sliced green onions

Special Equipment

While this Crock Pot Goulash recipe is simple and doesn’t require specialized tools, a few essential kitchen items will help ensure everything comes together smoothly:

1. Slow Cooker/Crock Pot: A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. It allows the ingredients to cook slowly and blend together, resulting in a flavorful dish. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also make this dish in a Dutch oven, but the cooking time may vary.
2. Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables, a large skillet will help you cook everything evenly before transferring it to the slow cooker.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for the spices and liquids ensure that the flavors are balanced. Having measuring cups and spoons on hand will make the process easier and more accurate.
4. Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks, a wooden spoon or spatula works best to avoid scratching your skillet or slow cooker insert.
5. Colander: A colander is essential for draining excess grease from the ground beef after browning it, ensuring the final dish isn’t greasy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat using a colander. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

After draining, transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. If you’re using ground turkey, the same process applies. You can even use a combination of beef and turkey for a slightly lighter version of this dish.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Sauté them over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Once the vegetables are softened, transfer them to the slow cooker with the browned beef. This step adds extra depth of flavor and ensures the vegetables are tender by the end of the cooking process.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings

In the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir everything together to combine. Then, add the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well so that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

The tomato paste adds a rich, deep flavor, while the diced tomatoes provide texture and freshness. The Worcestershire sauce contributes a savory umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

4. Add the Beef Broth

Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth if you prefer a lighter option) and stir to combine. The broth will help to create a flavorful sauce that the pasta will cook in, making it absorb all the delicious seasonings while cooking.

5. Set the Slow Cooker and Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, but either setting will allow the flavors to meld together and the dish to cook thoroughly.

It’s important not to add the pasta until the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent it from becoming too soft and mushy.

6. Cook the Pasta

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir it into the sauce, making sure the pasta is fully immersed in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the pasta to cook in the simmering sauce for the final 30 minutes.

During this time, the pasta will absorb the flavorful sauce, becoming tender and perfectly cooked. Keep an eye on the pasta to make sure it doesn’t overcook.

7. Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the dish is ready, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese (or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar) over the top of the goulash. Cover the slow cooker and let the cheese melt into the dish, about 5 minutes. This will add a creamy, cheesy layer that complements the rich tomato sauce and beef.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Stir everything together, making sure the cheese is evenly incorporated into the goulash. Spoon the goulash onto plates or into bowls and top with optional toppings like fresh parsley, additional cheese, sour cream, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Goulash

• Drain the Fat: Make sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef after browning it. This will prevent your goulash from becoming greasy and will allow the flavors to shine through.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta toward the end of the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook and turn mushy. It should absorb just enough of the sauce to become tender while maintaining its texture.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: For a healthier dish, use low-sodium beef or chicken broth. This helps control the salt content and ensures that the dish doesn’t become too salty.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables to your goulash. Bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots all work well and can be added during the sautéing step to enhance the dish’s nutritional value.
• Use a Combo of Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, a combination of mozzarella and cheddar adds more depth of flavor and a little extra sharpness.

Variations of Crock Pot Goulash

• Vegetarian Goulash: Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or lentils to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain the flavor balance.
• Spicy Goulash: Add some heat to the dish by incorporating diced green chilies, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce into the sauce mixture.
• Cheesy Goulash: For a cheesier goulash, add more cheese to the sauce before cooking, or top the dish with extra cheese before serving. You could also mix in some cream cheese for a creamy texture.
• Goulash with Sausage: Replace half of the ground beef with Italian sausage or any sausage of your choice for added flavor. The sausage will give the dish a savory, slightly spicy kick.

Storage and Shelf Life

Leftover Crock Pot Goulash can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

For longer storage, you can freeze the goulash in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. Be sure to add a little liquid during reheating to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Crock Pot Goulash

Pair your Crock Pot Goulash with these complementary sides to make the meal even more satisfying:

• Garlic Bread: A slice of crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the goulash and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans complement the savory goulash and add a healthy side dish.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttered corn is a classic side that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of goulash.

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Conclusion

Crock Pot Goulash is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying, filling meal that everyone in your family will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a dish for a potluck, this recipe is sure to impress. By utilizing the slow cooker, you’ll get perfectly cooked pasta and tender beef, all without spending much time in the kitchen.

Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty goodness of this Crock Pot Goulash, and feel free to customize it to suit your tastes.