Hearty Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Hearty Hungarian slow cooker goulash brings warmth to chilly evenings with its rich, robust flavors.

Tender beef chunks simmer slowly in a deeply seasoned sauce that whispers stories of traditional kitchens.

Paprika creates a vibrant backdrop for this classic comfort dish.

Rustic and satisfying, each spoonful connects you to generations of home cooks who perfected this beloved recipe.

Minimal ingredients combine into something truly magical on your kitchen counter.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this soul-warming meal.

Why People Love the Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

• Simplify your dinner routine with this goulash that requires minimal prep and cleanup, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Packed with familiar flavors and hearty ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
• Minimal hands-on time means you can set it and forget it, perfect for busy families or anyone wanting a stress-free cooking experience.
• Easily doubles as a make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day, providing delicious leftovers for lunch or quick reheating.

What Goes into the Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty base protein that provides robust flavor and satisfying texture. Lean options work well, but higher fat content adds more depth.

• Onions, Garlic: Classic flavor foundation that adds depth and complexity to the goulash. Yellow or white onions are standard choices.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Essential moisture and tangy base that creates the goulash's signature saucy consistency. Canned tomatoes offer convenience and consistent flavor.

• Paprika, Italian Seasoning, Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper: Signature spice combination that brings traditional Hungarian and American flavor profiles. Paprika is especially crucial for authentic taste.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that absorbs sauce and provides comforting texture. Short pasta works best in slow cooker preparations.

• Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Optional but recommended garnishes that add richness and fresh visual appeal. Sharp cheddar provides extra flavor complexity.

How to Make the Slow Cooker Goulash from Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into small bits, cooking until rich golden brown. Allow excess fat to drain completely. Pro tip: This step elevates the meat’s flavor and texture.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Paprika
• Italian herb blend
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until ingredients are harmoniously combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and let magic happen:

Low setting: 6-8 hours

High setting: 3-4 hours

Let ingredients meld and develop deep, comforting flavors.

Step 4: Introduce Pasta

During final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in elbow macaroni. Replace lid and continue cooking until pasta reaches tender, al dente texture.

Step 5: Cheese and Garnish Finale

Optional but recommended: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Allow cheese to melt for 5 minutes. Scatter fresh parsley for bright, fresh finish.

Serve hot and enjoy your incredible one-pot meal!

Questions About the Slow Cooker Goulash Answered

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure they cook in a similar time frame.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Cool the goulash completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this in a large pot on the stovetop. Brown the beef, add ingredients, simmer for 45-60 minutes, then add pasta and cook until tender.

• What if I want to reduce the sodium content?

Use low-sodium beef broth and tomato sauce. Reduce added salt and rely on herbs and spices like paprika and Italian seasoning for flavor.

Handy Tips for Slow Cooker Goulash Success

• Lean Meat Swap: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce fat content without compromising flavor and texture.
• Pasta Perfect Timing: Add macaroni exactly 30 minutes before cooking ends to prevent mushy noodles and ensure ideal al dente consistency.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let shredded cheddar rest for 5 minutes after adding to allow smooth, even melting throughout the goulash.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for deeper, richer taste that enhances traditional goulash profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare beef and mix ingredients night before, refrigerate, then start slow cooker in morning for hassle-free dinner preparation.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Goulash

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the goulash fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled goulash to freezer-safe containers or bags, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Frozen goulash maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm goulash in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place goulash in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Dishes That Pair Well with Slow Cooker Goulash

• Select a robust Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, hearty flavors of the goulash. These wines stand up perfectly to the meaty, tomato-based dish and enhance its deep, savory profile.
• Create a delightful side that soaks up the delicious sauce and adds a crunchy texture. Toasted bread with garlic butter provides an extra layer of flavor that perfectly matches the goulash's complexity.
• Prepare a light, crisp green salad with fresh herbs like parsley, basil, and dill. The salad's brightness cuts through the goulash's richness and provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy main dish.
• Include a small side of quick-pickled cucumbers or traditional Hungarian pickles. Their acidic punch helps balance the goulash's richness and adds a traditional Eastern European touch to the meal.

Ways to Change Up Your Slow Cooker Goulash

• Vegetarian Hungarian Goulash: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added depth.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meal: Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice. Ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Keto-Friendly Goulash: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use full-fat cheese and increase protein content with additional ground meat or low-carb vegetables.
• One-Pot Mediterranean Adaptation: Add bell peppers, olives, and swap Italian seasoning for oregano and thyme. Include feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hungarian slow cooker goulash delivers a hearty symphony of tender beef, paprika-rich sauce, and comforting flavors from Central Europe. This classic dish brings authentic warmth to your kitchen, inviting you to savor a taste of tradition with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (500 g) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Pasta and Topping:

• 2 cups (200 g) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium flame, fragmenting into delicate crumbles until rich brown. Discard excess grease to enhance dish’s lean profile.
2. Migrate seasoned meat into slow cooker vessel, introducing aromatic onions, minced garlic, robust tomato medley, savory sauce, hearty beef broth, vibrant paprika, herbaceous Italian seasoning, tangy Worcestershire essence, refined salt, and cracked pepper.
3. Orchestrate thorough blending, ensuring harmonious ingredient integration throughout the mixture.
4. Secure slow cooker lid, allowing culinary magic to unfold on low temperature setting for 6-8 hours or accelerated high setting for 3-4 hours, developing profound flavor depths.
5. Approximately 30 minutes prior to completion, introduce uncooked elbow macaroni, gently folding into bubbling mixture to guarantee perfect pasta absorption.
6. Evaluate pasta tenderness, confirming ideal al dente consistency within the rich, hearty environment.
7. Optional luxurious finale: Sprinkle generous cascade of shredded cheddar, permitting gradual melting into sumptuous landscape.
8. Garnish with delicate fresh parsley, presenting vibrant emerald accent atop rustic comfort dish.
9. Serve immediately, capturing peak temperature and textural brilliance of this comforting goulash creation.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the classic goulash.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or shells for added texture and visual appeal.
• Swap traditional beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative that maintains rich flavor.
• Enhance the dish’s complexity by adding a splash of red wine or a sprinkle of smoked paprika during the initial cooking stage for deeper, more nuanced taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg