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Crock Pot American Goulash

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This crock pot American goulash brings together ground beef, sweet onions, peppers, and savory tomato sauce for a rich comforting dish. Elbow macaroni is stirred in near the end to keep it perfectly tender. Let your slow cooker handle the simmering so flavors meld beautifully. This is a reliable choice for busy evenings or weekend gatherings that feels like a hug in a bowl. Bonus points for its freezer friendliness and crowd-pleasing flavor that tastes even better the next day.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 17:47:29 GMT
A plate of food with pasta and meat. Bookmark
A plate of food with pasta and meat. | ioanacooks.com

This Crock Pot American Goulash is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying dinner with minimal effort. It blends hearty ground beef, tender vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce simmered low and slow for deep, cozy flavors. Over the years this recipe has become a family favorite and making it in the slow cooker only makes it easier to enjoy that classic taste.

I made this for dinner recently and loved how the flavors melded perfectly after hours in the crock pot. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: choose fresh quality beef or swap for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor
  • Sweet onion: adds mild sweetness and depth; fresh and firm is best
  • Green pepper: optional but adds a nice mild bite; remove if not a fan
  • Garlic: fresh garlic is ideal for strong flavor but jarred minced works in a pinch
  • Pasta sauce: a flavorful jarred sauce like Rao’s roast garlic works well but any favorite brand is fine
  • Tomato sauce: low sodium options help control saltiness
  • Petite diced tomatoes: choose ones seasoned with herbs for extra flavor if you can find them
  • Water: helps thin the sauce for slow cooking
  • Italian seasoning: a classic herb blend that builds complexity
  • Granulated sugar: balances acidity from the tomatoes
  • Elbow macaroni: any pasta shape is fine; adds comforting texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Beef and Vegetables:
Cook the ground beef with diced onion and green pepper in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain off any excess grease. If your slow cooker has a sauté setting, you can use that to save dishes.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
Transfer the beef mixture to a 4 to 6 quart slow cooker. Add garlic, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Stir everything well but do not add the macaroni noodles yet.
Slow Cook the Sauce:
Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 2 to 4 hours. Since the beef and vegetables are already cooked, this step is mainly to let all the flavors simmer together and deepen.
Add Pasta and Finish Cooking:
About an hour before serving, stir in the macaroni noodles, cover again, and cook until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Then it is ready to serve.
A close up of a crock pot filled with American goulash. Bookmark
A close up of a crock pot filled with American goulash. | ioanacooks.com

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For freezing, put it in a freezer bag, lay it flat, and freeze for up to 3 months. Pasta tends to absorb liquid and get softer after freezing, so it is best reheated gently.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version. Omit green pepper if disliked and boost flavor with extra Italian seasoning or herbs. Use any favorite pasta shape to customize texture.

A close up of a crock pot filled with American Goulash. Bookmark
A close up of a crock pot filled with American Goulash. | ioanacooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this goulash with fresh garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple coleslaw to add crunch.

Cultural Context

American goulash is distinct from Hungarian goulash, which is a paprika-heavy stew with beef chunks and vegetables. This American version combines Italian-style tomato sauce with ground beef and pasta, creating a uniquely comforting dish enjoyed across many U.S. households.

One of my favorite parts is the Italian seasoning blend, which brings all the tomato and meat flavors together just right. I remember my first slow cooker attempt when I learned never to skip draining the grease or the sauce gets greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes you can use ground turkey chicken or Italian sausage depending on your preference or what you have available

→ Should I cook the pasta separately?

No add the pasta during the final hour of slow cooking so it absorbs the flavors and stays tender

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely it stores well in the fridge for a few days and the flavors deepen overnight

→ What size slow cooker should I use?

A four to six quart slow cooker is ideal to allow room for all the ingredients and for stirring in the pasta later

→ Does it freeze well?

Yes freeze in flat bags or containers but be aware the pasta may soften slightly upon reheating

→ What can I serve with this?

Garlic bread or a fresh green salad pairs perfectly and adds a bit of crunch and contrast

Crock Pot American Goulash

Hearty American-style goulash slow cooked with beef, pasta, and tomato sauce for easy comfort food

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
240 minutes
Overall Time
255 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 6 How Many It Serves (1 crock pot batch)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
Ingredient 02 1 medium sweet onion diced
Ingredient 03 1 green bell pepper diced
Ingredient 04 3 cloves garlic minced
Ingredient 05 24 ounces pasta sauce
Ingredient 06 15 ounces tomato sauce
Ingredient 07 14.5 ounces petite diced tomatoes
Ingredient 08 1 cup water
Ingredient 09 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Ingredient 10 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
Ingredient 11 2 cups elbow macaroni dry

Steps to Follow

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat cook ground beef with diced onion and bell pepper for about 8 minutes until the meat is browned and vegetables softened. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add the cooked beef mixture to a 4 to 6 quart crock pot and spread evenly.

Step 03

Stir in minced garlic pasta sauce tomato sauce diced tomatoes water Italian seasoning and sugar until combined.

Step 04

Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 2 to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.

Step 05

During the final hour of cooking stir in dry elbow macaroni and cover. Cook until pasta is al dente or your preferred texture.

Step 06

Stir well before serving and ladle into bowls optionally paired with garlic bread or salad.

Extra Tips

  1. For added flavor use a seasoned diced tomato variety such as those with garlic basil and oregano.
  2. Avoid overcooking the pasta by adding it only in the last hour of cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 4 to 6 quart slow cooker
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten from pasta

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 420
  • Total Fat: 17 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 48 grams
  • Protein Amount: 22 grams