
Below is a detailed, unique, easy-to-follow article on the Crockpot Goulash Recipe, written in a warm, engaging style and including clear step-by-step instructions.
Crockpot Goulash Recipe — A Cozy, Slow-Cooked Classic Made Simple
When you hear the word goulash, you might picture a warm, hearty pot of tender beef and pasta soaked in a rich, tomato-based sauce. This beloved comfort dish has roots in Hungarian cooking, known originally as a paprika-brightened stew. The American version—often simply called “goulash”—takes those comforting flavors and transforms them into a pasta-filled, slow-cooked masterpiece.
Making goulash in the crockpot is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to create this family-friendly meal. The slow cooker deepens every flavor, tenderizes the meat, and leaves you with a satisfying one-pot dinner that practically cooks itself.
Below, you’ll find a full walkthrough of how to prepare the perfect crockpot goulash from start to finish.
⭐ Why Make Goulash in a Crockpot?
Using a slow cooker gives you several advantages:
- Hands-off cooking: Add ingredients and let the crockpot do the work.
- Deeper flavor: Slow heat blends the spices and tomatoes beautifully.
- Perfectly tender meat: Ground beef becomes soft and flavorful as it simmers.
- Convenient for busy days: Prep in the morning and enjoy a warm meal later.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Add-Ins (Optional)
- Chopped green bell pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Bay leaf
- A splash of hot sauce
- Sweet corn or peas
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Even though the crockpot can cook raw meat, browning adds deeper flavor.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned.
- Drain excess fat to avoid a greasy final dish.
Tip: For an extra boost of flavor, sauté the onions and garlic with the beef during the last couple of minutes.
Step 2: Load the Crockpot
Add all the browned beef, onions, and garlic into the crockpot. Then add:
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce (optional)
- Paprika
- Oregano, basil
- Salt & pepper
- Optional add-ins like peppers or bay leaf
Stir everything gently to combine.









No Responses Yet