Description
This Slow Cooker Goulash is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring ground beef, vegetables, and elbow macaroni simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days, and is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy it topped with cheese and fresh parsley for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 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)
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and lay them out on the counter for easy access.
- Chop the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Aim for a fine chop on the onion and garlic, while the bell pepper can be diced into larger pieces.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker, scraping all the bits from the skillet.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, and sprinkle in the paprika, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- After the goulash has finished cooking, remove the lid and stir the mixture.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the slow cooker and gently fold it into the goulash mixture.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover the slow cooker for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve the goulash in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or a meat alternative.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra nutrition.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes