Crockpot Goulash is flavorful, beefy, and delightfully cheesy! Easy to make in the slow cooker, this pasta recipe is incredibly simple and wholly satisfying. This is the epitome of comfort food!
What’s in this Crockpot Goulash Recipe
Goulash is traditionally a Hungarian dish, but what we’re making today is the American version in a Crockpot! Cheesy, beefy, and flavorful as can be goulash is the best way to use up that box of elbow macaroni that’s been sitting in your pantry!
- Ground Beef: Remember to drain the ground beef before placing it in the Crockpot, or your goulash will be greasy in its consistency.
- Onion: You can use a white or yellow onion – both will get the job done deliciously.
- Garlic: I recommend using fresh garlic (instead of pre-minced) for the best flavor.
- Water: Make sure to measure with care so there is just enough to cook the macaroni! If there’s too much, it’ll turn out soupy.
- Beef Bouillon: This gives the goulash the best savory flavor.
- Tomatoes: I like to use both crushed tomatoes and petite diced tomatoes.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This salty, tangy sauce really enhances the overall flavor of the goulash.
- Bay Leaves: Remember to remove these before stirring in the cheese!
- Italian Seasoning: For the very best herbaceous flavor, consider using my recipe for homemade Italian seasoning.
- Salt: A little goes a long way. Feel free to omit entirely if you’re on a low-sodium diet.
- Elbow Macaroni: I like to use elbow macaroni, but shells will also work. You just want a pasta that has shape so it’ll really grip that cheesy sauce!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese will yield the best results.
PRO TIP: Don’t let the macaroni keep cooking after it’s fully cooked and tender, or it will turn mushy.
Can I use any type of ground meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or beef will all work in this easy goulash recipe.
An average sized Crockpot between 5 and 6 quarts will get the job done.
Use a plant based protein instead of traditional ground meat.
How to Store/Reheat
Once cooled to room temperature, you can store your leftover beef goulash in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave, stirring each time it stops, until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze slow cooker goulash for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge before reheating. Don’t forget to date and label!
Serving Suggestions
This goulash is a meal all on its own! However, if you want to add a bit of freshness to the side, here are some good options. They’re still kid friendly, since this is SUCH a kid friendly dinner!
Since this slow cooked goulash is such a heavy dish, it can be served as a hearty meal all by itself, or with a side dish that will provide a few more nutrients than the pasta dinner.
5-Star Review
“Excellent goulash! I did cut the recipe in half and used two 20 oz cans of diced tomatoes, everything else followed, delicious flavor! This recipe is a keeper. Thanks, Becky, for a great recipe.” – Lee T.
Crockpot Goulash Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Crockpot between 5-6 quarts
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or try ground turkey, chicken, pork or plant based protein
- 1 large onion diced, white or yellow
- 4 garlic cloves fresh, minced
- 4 cups water measure carefully
- 4 beef bouillon cubes
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 standard can, or use petite diced tomatoes
- 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 shells also work
- 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly shredded
Instructions
- 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 pounds ground beef
- Add the onion, garlic, water, bouillon cubes, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir well.1 large onion, 4 garlic cloves, 4 cups water, 4 beef bouillon cubes, 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 30 ounces petite diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 3 bay leaves, 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 hours.
- 30 minutes prior to serving, stir in the macaroni. Cover and cook just until the noodles are tender.4 cups elbow macaroni
- Remove the bay leaves and stir in the cheddar cheese.1 cup cheddar cheese
- Serve immediately so that the pasta does not turn mushy.
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
I love this recipe. So nice to make ahead of time and just throw in the crockpot the next morning and turn it on. My family likes it too, but probably not as much as I do. Still it it is now in my regular rotation of meals.
Just like what my mother used to make in a skillet but Becky uses a crock pot.
Made this for the second time today. Delicious and hearty! Will make again.
What if I don’t have bouillon cubes can I omit those
We recommend adding more seasonings, like salt and pepper!
Seem that you could just use 4 cups of beef broth.
So do you minus out the 4 cups of water then?
A perfect winter recipe! The kiddos couldn’t stop eating it, hubby loved it, and the house smelled amazing all day! ❤️
We’re so happy to hear you all loved this recipe, Tiffany!
So delicious! My parents, grandparents, and sisters all loved it!
We’re so glad to hear it was a hit, Jasmine!
Made this today. It’s good, as mentioned, a good base to add things to your taste. I added a green pepper and some red chili flakes (I don’t get the Italian seasoning comments, it was fine). I like to make the pasta separately, my experience with other recipes is that it’s too mushy and starchy otherwise. I also added the cheese on the side, individual bowls. Even though I halved it still plenty for me leftover for the week.
Thanks so much for sharing what worked for you, Chris!
Great recipe. I shared with friends they all loved it.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Easy and delish for a weeknight meal. I added chopped spinach just to add in a veggie. Will make again I love just throwing everything in and leaving it
We’re so happy to hear you loved it, Katlynn!
Should the crockpot be set to high or low when cooking the noodles?
Whichever setting you used to cook the dish initially is fine!