Let me tell you about my go-to comfort food on busy days – Crock Pot Goulash. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the most amazing smell while you’re off doing a million other things. I stumbled onto this recipe years ago when I was desperate for something hearty but didn’t have time to babysit the stove. Trust me, this dish is a lifesaver! With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty crock pot, you’ll have a warm, flavorful meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this goulash is hearty, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make. You’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Goulash

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This crock pot goulash has become my absolute favorite weeknight hero, and here’s why:

Set it and forget it magic: Just brown the meat, dump everything in the crock pot, and let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
Flavor that knocks your socks off: That paprika and tomato combo creates the most comforting, rich sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner – hallelujah!
Feeds a crowd: Perfect for busy families or meal prep – it reheats beautifully all week long.
Customizable: Throw in extra veggies or swap the meat – it’s forgiving and adaptable to what you have on hand.

Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes – easy, delicious, and satisfying. It’s comfort food at its absolute best!

Ingredients for Crock Pot Goulash

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This crock pot goulash is all about simplicity, but the right components make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef: I like using 80/20 for that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
1 onion, diced: Yellow onions work great here for their mild sweetness.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must – it adds that punch of flavor.
1 bell pepper, diced: Any color works, but I’m partial to red for a little extra sweetness.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Don’t drain them – that liquid is gold for the sauce.
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: This helps thicken everything up just right.
1 cup beef broth: Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt levels.
1 tbsp paprika: Trust me, this is the star spice – don’t skimp!
1 tsp salt: Adjust to taste, but this is a good starting point.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked if you’ve got it.
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked: The pasta cooks right in the sauce – so easy!

See? Nothing fancy, just good, hearty ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Crock Pot Goulash

Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious crock pot goulash! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a hearty meal that’ll make your whole house smell amazing.

Browning the Ground Beef

First things first – grab a large skillet and brown that ground beef over medium heat. I like to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. When the pink is just about gone, toss in your diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant – about 5 minutes should do it. Now carefully transfer this delicious mixture to your crock pot.

Combining Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Here’s where the magic starts! Add the diced tomatoes (with all that yummy juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the crock pot. Give everything a really good stir – you want all those flavors to mingle beautifully. Don’t worry if it looks a bit liquidy right now; the pasta will soak up that goodness later!

Cook and Adding the Macaroni

Pop the lid on and set your crock pot to low for 6 hours. I know it’s tempting, but try not to peek too often – we want to keep all that heat inside! About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. This is the perfect amount of time for the pasta to cook through while still staying nice and al dente. And just like that – dinner is served!

Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Goulash

After making this goulash more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to absolutely amazing:

Meat swap magic: Not feeling beef? Ground turkey or chicken works great for a leaner option – just add an extra splash of broth.
Spice it up: Love bold flavors? Double the paprika or add a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
Pasta perfection: If your macaroni seems too firm, give it another 10 minutes – but don’t overdo it or you’ll get mush!
Leftover love: Store cooled goulash in airtight containers – it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Veggie boost: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots when you add the pepper for extra nutrition.

Remember, this recipe is super forgiving – make it your own and enjoy every comforting bite!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Goulash

I get so many questions about this recipe – let me answer the ones that come up most often!

Q1. Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, any small pasta like shells or rotini works great. Just stick to similar cooking times.

Q2. What if my crock pot cooks hotter than most?
If your goulash seems to be cooking too fast, check it at 5 hours instead of 6. Every slow cooker has its own personality – mine runs hot too!

Q3. Can I make this vegetarian?
You bet! Swap the beef for mushrooms or lentils and use veggie broth. The paprika still gives that signature flavor.

Q4. How long can I keep leftovers?
Stored properly in the fridge, your goulash stays delicious for 3-4 days. It actually tastes better on day two!

Q5. Can I freeze crock pot goulash?
Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Nutritional Information for Crock Pot Goulash

Here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each comforting bowl (based on 1 cup servings):

Calories: 320
Fat: 12g (4g saturated)
Carbs: 35g (3g fiber, 5g sugar)
Protein: 18g
Sodium: 450mg

Remember, these numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients – especially if you use different meats or adjust the pasta amount. But hey, with all those veggies and protein, I call this a pretty balanced comfort meal!

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Goulash

Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this cozy goulash! A big hunk of crusty bread is absolutely mandatory at my house – perfect for soaking up every last bit of that rich sauce. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a simple green salad or roast some veggies while the goulash finishes cooking. My kids go crazy when I sprinkle a little extra paprika on top right before serving – makes it look so pretty! For a complete meal, just add whatever fresh veggies you’ve got – steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or even a quick cucumber salad all work beautifully. Honestly though? Sometimes we just eat it straight from the bowl, no sides needed – it’s that good!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Crock Pot Goulash

Listen, this goulash might be too good to have leftovers – but if you do, here’s how to keep it tasting amazing! Scoop any extra into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge – it’ll stay perfect for 3-4 days. When reheating, I splash in a little broth or water and warm it gently on the stove (microwave works too!). The pasta soaks up liquid as it sits, so that extra moisture brings it right back to life. Freezing? No problem! Portion it out, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight before reheating. Trust me, it’s just as comforting the second time around!