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Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe

Crock Pot American Goulash Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 22 reviews

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.

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

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

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/crock-pot-american-goulash-recipe/