Slow Cooker Goulash: A Hearty and Easy Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Slow Cooker Goulash is a comforting dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table. This hearty meal, with its rich blend of flavors and tender textures, has roots in Hungarian cuisine, where it was traditionally prepared over an open flame. Over the years, goulash has evolved into various regional adaptations, but the essence of this dish remains the same: a satisfying combination of meat, vegetables, and spices simmered to perfection. What I love most about Slow Cooker Goulash is its convenience; simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The result is a delicious, filling meal that the whole family will adore, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color you prefer)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. I like to lay everything out on the counter so I can see what I have and what I need to do next. 2. Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. I find that using a sharp knife makes this task much easier. Aim for a fine chop on the onion and garlic, while the bell pepper can be diced into larger pieces. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. This step is crucial as it adds flavor to the goulash. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. 4. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. I usually tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to remove the fat, but you can also use a colander if you prefer. 5. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté these vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened. The aroma will be fantastic!

Combining the Ingredients

6. Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker. This is where the magic happens, so make sure to scrape all the delicious bits from the skillet into the slow cooker. 7. Now, it’s time to add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and beef broth. These ingredients will create a rich and hearty base for your goulash. 8. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. I like to use a large spoon to ensure that all the spices are evenly distributed. 9. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Let it cook for about 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high heat for 3-4 hours, but I find that low and slow really brings out the flavors.

Cooking the Pasta

10. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, it’s time to cook the elbow macaroni. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes. 11. Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. I like to rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.

Final Assembly

12. After the goulash has finished cooking, carefully remove the lid from the slow cooker. The aroma will be incredible! Stir the mixture to combine everything again. 13. Add the cooked macaroni to the slow cooker. Gently fold it into the goulash mixture until it’s well incorporated. This step is essential as it allows the pasta to soak up some of that delicious sauce. 14. If you’re a cheese lover like me, now is the time to sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. You can either mix it in or let it melt on top. If you want it extra cheesy, cover the slow cooker for a few minutes to help the cheese melt. 15. Once everything is combined and heated through, it’s time to serve! Ladle the goulash into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

16. I love serving this slow cooker goulash with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. The bread is perfect for

Conclusion:

In summary, this Slow Cooker Goulash is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones or simply relax while the magic happens. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your goulash with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, or even swapping out the beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Slow Cooker Goulash a try and experience the warmth and comfort it brings to your table. Once you’ve made it, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this fantastic recipe together! Print