Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings a taste of classic American home cooking with a twist, look no further than this incredible Crock Pot American Goulash. This dish combines tender ground beef, a medley of tomatoes, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni in a savory, slow-cooked sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to share with family and friends, this goulash recipe is truly a winner for anyone who loves bold flavors and simple preparations. Once you make it, the Crock Pot American Goulash will quickly become one of your go-to comforting dinners in no time!

Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crock Pot American Goulash lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully over slow cooking. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, making your meal irresistibly satisfying.

  • Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a rich, meaty foundation for the dish and adds hearty protein.
  • Sweet onion (1 small, finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened with the beef.
  • Green pepper (1, finely diced, optional): Offers a subtle crunch and fresh flavor contrast if you enjoy a little extra veggie boost.
  • Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Intensifies the savory profile with its aromatic punch.
  • Pasta sauce (24 oz jar): A robust tomato base that carries the richness and spices, I prefer Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce for an amazing flavor.
  • Tomato sauce (8 oz can): Adds smoothness and enhances the saucy texture.
  • Petite diced tomatoes (15 oz can): Brings a burst of juicy, tender tomato chunks to complement the sauce.
  • Water (1 cup): Helps balance sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Italian seasoning (1 ½ teaspoons): A fragrant blend that ties all the ingredients together with classic herb notes.
  • Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Just a touch to mellow out acidity and brighten the sauce.
  • Uncooked elbow macaroni (1 cup): The nostalgic pasta shape that soaks up all the delicious sauce and flavors perfectly.

How to Make Crock Pot American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies

Start by heating a large skillet and cooking the ground beef along with diced sweet onion and green pepper until the meat is fully browned and the veggies have softened. This step brings out rich flavors and develops a nice base before the slow cooking process. Be sure to drain any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.

Step 2: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Once your beef and vegetables are perfectly cooked, transfer the mixture into your 4 to 6 quart slow cooker. This makes it easy to combine everything and let the flavors blend slowly throughout the cooking time.

Step 3: Add the Sauces and Seasonings

Next, stir in all the tomato-based ingredients — the jarred pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes — along with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, granulated sugar, and water. This well-seasoned sauce is what makes the Crock Pot American Goulash taste so rich and satisfying. At this point, do not add the macaroni noodles yet; they need to be cooked last to avoid becoming mushy.

Step 4: Slow Cook and Simmer

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 2 to 4 hours. Since everything but the pasta is already cooked, this is mainly to allow the sauce to meld beautifully and deepen in flavor.

Step 5: Add the Elbow Macaroni

In the last hour of cooking, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cover and cook until the noodles reach the perfect al dente texture — fluff tender but still firm to the bite. This timing ensures your pasta is cooked just right, soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

After your Crock Pot American Goulash is ready, give it a good stir and prepare to dig in. This is the kind of meal that fills you up and leaves you smiling, perfect for sharing around the table.

How to Serve Crock Pot American Goulash

Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

Garnishes

Top your goulash with shredded cheese, freshly chopped parsley, or even a spoonful of sour cream to add layers of richness and a pop of freshness that cuts through the tomato sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread to soak up all the sauce and a crisp green salad to balance the meal’s hearty richness. Roasted vegetables or steamed greens can also be excellent complements.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Crock Pot American Goulash in mini bread bowls or atop baked potatoes for a comforting presentation. You can also turn it into a casserole by layering with extra cheese and baking for a bubbly, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover goulash in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This will bring back that perfect saucy consistency.

FAQs

Can I make Crock Pot American Goulash without green pepper?

Absolutely. The green pepper is optional and can be omitted if you don’t have it or prefer a milder flavor.

Is it possible to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free varieties. Just keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking them.

Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time and freeze before slow cooking?

You can brown the beef and chop the veggies in advance, then freeze them in a slow cooker bag with sauces. When ready to cook, just thaw slightly and transfer to your slow cooker.

What is the best way to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Add the uncooked pasta during the last hour of cooking and avoid stirring too often. This allows the noodles to cook properly without breaking down too much.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to accommodate the increased volume and adjust cooking times slightly as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot American Goulash is nothing short of a cozy, soul-satisfying classic that you’ll want to make again and again. Its simplicity, combined with rich flavor and comforting textures, makes it a fantastic option for busy days or family dinners. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing this delicious gem as much as I do — it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and smiles to your table!

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Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

This Crock Pot American Goulash recipe is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal combining ground beef, savory tomato sauces, and tender macaroni, all slow-cooked to perfection for a rich, flavorful dinner. Perfect for busy days, this easy recipe lets the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a classic American comfort food.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours low or 2-4 hours high plus 1 hour for pasta
  • Total Time: 7-9 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small sweet onion, finely diced
  • 1 green pepper, finely diced (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Tomato Sauces and Liquids

  • 24 ounce jar pasta sauce (e.g. Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce)
  • 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup water

Seasonings and Pasta

  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Instructions

  1. Brown the meat and vegetables: In a large skillet, cook 1 pound ground beef with 1 small finely diced sweet onion and 1 finely diced green pepper (optional) over medium heat, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Transfer to slow cooker: Place the cooked ground beef mixture into a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
  3. Add sauces and seasoning: Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 24 ounces of pasta sauce, 8 ounces tomato sauce, 15 ounces petite diced tomatoes, 1 cup water, 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Do not add the macaroni yet.
  4. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together as the mixture simmers.
  5. Add macaroni: About 1 hour before serving, add 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir well, cover, and continue cooking until the pasta is tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your preference.
  6. Serve: Once the macaroni is cooked to your liking, stir the goulash, spoon it into bowls or plates, and enjoy. It pairs wonderfully with fresh garlic bread and a crisp salad.

Notes

  • You can omit the green pepper if you prefer a milder flavor or have sensitivities.
  • Use your favorite brand of pasta sauce to customize the flavor; Rao’s Roasted Garlic Sauce is recommended for its rich taste.
  • Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker model; avoid overcooking macaroni by adding it late.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors often improve overnight.
  • If you want a thicker goulash, reduce the water to ½ cup or cook uncovered near the end to thicken the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: American goulash, crock pot goulash, slow cooker pasta, ground beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, one-pot meal

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