Crockpot Goulash Recipe

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🍲 Comfort in a Bowl: The Ultimate Crockpot Goulash Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that warms you from the inside out, Crockpot Goulash is the perfect dish. This slow-cooked comfort food combines tender beef, pasta, tomatoes, and spices into a rich, soul-satisfying meal that tastes like home. The best part? The crockpot does all the work for you!

Below, you’ll find everything you need to make a classic American-style goulash (inspired by Hungarian roots) right in your slow cooker — no stress, no fuss, just deep, delicious flavor.

🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need

Protein & Base:

2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Tomatoes:

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
3 cups beef broth (or water for a lighter version)

Seasonings:

2 teaspoons paprika (smoked if possible, for authentic depth)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds umami richness)
1 teaspoon sugar (balances acidity)

Pasta & Extras:

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but delicious)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

🥘 Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks until no pink remains. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and the onions are translucent.

Tip: Draining the excess grease after browning keeps your goulash from becoming oily.

Step 2: Prepare the Crockpot Base

Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors.