There’s something magical about tossing a handful of humble ingredients into a slow cooker, walking away, and coming back hours later to a meal that tastes like you’ve been tending it all day. Slow Cooker Goulash is exactly that kind of magic. Rich, savory, and deeply comforting, this dish is a low-effort, high-reward answer to busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike.
While traditional Hungarian goulash leans heavily on paprika and slow-simmered beef, this slow cooker version takes a more American comfort-food route—think tender ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and warming spices—all brought together with the ease of a set-it-and-forget-it appliance.
Why Goulash Works So Well in a Slow Cooker
Goulash is built on simple ingredients that benefit from time. The slow cooker allows flavors to blend gradually, softening onions, deepening tomato richness, and infusing every bite with savory goodness. It also means fewer pots to wash and no hovering over the stove.
Another bonus? It’s incredibly forgiving. Slightly too much garlic? Fine. Extra paprika? Even better. This is the kind of recipe that welcomes improvisation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a classic slow cooker goulash, gather:
1½ pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
2 cans (14–15 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons paprika (smoked if you like deeper flavor)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Optional: shredded cheddar or mozzarella for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Goulash
