How to Make Slow Cooker Goulash
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks, then drain off excess fat. This step adds flavor and keeps the final dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Build the Base
Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. During this time, the onions soften, the tomatoes mellow, and the spices fully bloom.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly. Cover again and let it finish cooking until the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese if desired, and maybe a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Tips for the Best Goulash
Don’t overcook the pasta: Add it near the end to avoid mushy noodles.
Thicker goulash: Leave the lid slightly ajar during the last 20 minutes.
Extra richness: Stir in a splash of cream or a handful of cheese just before serving.
Veggie boost: Bell peppers or mushrooms blend in beautifully.
A Meal That Feels Like Home
Slow Cooker Goulash isn’t fancy—and that’s the point. It’s filling, familiar, and deeply satisfying, the kind of meal that warms the kitchen and draws people to the table without much effort at all. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking up on leftovers for the week, this recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable.
