Crockpot Goulash: A Comfort Food Classic

Crockpot Goulash is flavorful, beefy, and delightfully cheesy! Easy to make in the slow cooker, this pasta recipe is simple and satisfying. It’s the epitome of comfort food!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups water
• 4 beef bouillon cubes
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 standard can)
• 30 ounces petite diced tomatoes (2 15-ounce cans)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Cook the Beef: In a nonstick pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain and add to the Crockpot.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the onion, garlic, water, bouillon cubes, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir well.
3. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 hours.
4. Add Macaroni: 30 minutes before serving, stir in the macaroni. Cover and cook until the noodles are tender.
5. Finish with Cheese: Remove the bay leaves and stir in the cheddar cheese. Serve immediately to prevent the pasta from turning mushy.

What’s in This Crockpot Goulash Recipe?

• Ground Beef: Drain it before placing it in the Crockpot to avoid greasy goulash.
• Onion: White or yellow onions both work well.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
• Water: Measure carefully to cook the macaroni just right.
• Beef Bouillon: Adds savory flavor.
• Tomatoes: Use crushed and petite diced tomatoes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances overall flavor.
• Bay Leaves: Remove before adding the cheese.
• Italian Seasoning: Homemade seasoning gives the best herbaceous flavor.
• Salt: Adjust to taste, especially for low-sodium diets.
• Elbow Macaroni: Elbow macaroni or shells work well to grip the cheesy sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar yields the best results.

Tips and Variations

• Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the macaroni to avoid mushiness.
• Meat Variations: Use ground turkey, chicken, pork, or beef.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground meat with plant-based protein.

Storing and Reheating

• Store: Cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time, until warmed through.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Don’t forget to date and label!

Serving Suggestions

This goulash is a meal on its own but can be paired with:

• Air Fryer Ranch Broccoli
• Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
• Creamy Pea Salad

Conclusion

Crockpot Goulash is a hearty, cheesy, and beefy delight that’s incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!