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!

american goulash in crockpot

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What’s in this Crockpot Goulash Recipe

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.

step by step photos for how to make crockpot goulash
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What is goulash?

Goulash is traditionally a Hungarian dish, but what we’re making today is the American version in a Crockpot! It’s a combination of ground meat, macaroni pasta, cheese, and an array of other ingredients like tomatoes and spices. We have a recipe for traditional Hungarian Goulash as well.

What size Crockpot should I use?

An average sized Crockpot between 5 and 6 quarts will get the job done.

How can I make this goulash vegetarian?

Use a plant based protein instead of traditional ground meat.

goulash in crockpot

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.

up close crockpot goulash

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.

Recipe Card

Crockpot Goulash Recipe

4.60 from 212 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 5 hours
Total: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Becky Hardin
featured crockpot goulash
Crockpot Goulash is flavorful, beefy, and delightfully cheesy! Easy to make in the slow cooker, this pasta recipe is incredibly simple and wholly satisfying. Indulge in this comforting meal tonight – your family will thank you!
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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

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
    how to make crockpot goulash
  • Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2 hours.
    how to make crockpot goulash
  • 30 minutes prior to serving, stir in the macaroni. Cover and cook just until the noodles are tender.
    4 cups elbow macaroni
    how to make crockpot goulash
  • Remove the bay leaves and stir in the cheddar cheese.
    1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Serve immediately so that the pasta does not turn mushy.
    how to make crockpot goulash

Video

Becky’s Tips

Multi-Function Crockpot: If you are using a multi-function crockpot, cook the ground beef right in the slow cooker. Drain the beef before returning it to the pot and continuing with the recipe.
Calories: 688kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 36gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 1259mgPotassium: 1162mgFiber: 7gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 611IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 242mgIron: 7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

More Crockpot Dinner Recipes We Love

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.60 from 212 votes (191 ratings without comment)
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54 Comments
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Barbara
Barbara
July 2, 2024 7:19 pm

Just like what my mother used to make in a skillet but Becky uses a crock pot.5 stars

Kerrie
Kerrie
January 28, 2024 12:04 pm

Made this for the second time today. Delicious and hearty! Will make again.5 stars

Rachael Lettau
Rachael Lettau
December 25, 2023 12:03 pm

What if I don’t have bouillon cubes can I omit those

Samantha Marceau
January 2, 2024 1:37 pm
Reply to  Rachael Lettau

We recommend adding more seasonings, like salt and pepper!

MNels
MNels
May 8, 2024 12:50 pm
Reply to  Rachael Lettau

Seem that you could just use 4 cups of beef broth.

Tammy
Tammy
November 8, 2024 11:01 am
Reply to  MNels

So do you minus out the 4 cups of water then?

Tiffany
Tiffany
December 14, 2023 7:41 pm

A perfect winter recipe! The kiddos couldn’t stop eating it, hubby loved it, and the house smelled amazing all day! ❤️5 stars

Samantha Marceau
December 15, 2023 8:30 am
Reply to  Tiffany

We’re so happy to hear you all loved this recipe, Tiffany!

Jasmine Thornberg
Jasmine Thornberg
November 15, 2023 1:08 pm

So delicious! My parents, grandparents, and sisters all loved it!5 stars

Samantha Marceau
November 16, 2023 8:24 am

We’re so glad to hear it was a hit, Jasmine!

chris
chris
October 31, 2023 4:59 pm

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.4 stars

Samantha Marceau
November 1, 2023 9:08 am
Reply to  chris

Thanks so much for sharing what worked for you, Chris!

Sue
Sue
October 30, 2023 7:47 pm

Great recipe. I shared with friends they all loved it.5 stars

Samantha Marceau
October 31, 2023 9:18 am
Reply to  Sue

Thanks so much for sharing!

Katlynn g
Katlynn g
October 24, 2023 2:54 pm

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 it5 stars

Samantha Marceau
October 24, 2023 3:24 pm
Reply to  Katlynn g

We’re so happy to hear you loved it, Katlynn!

Heather
Heather
February 7, 2023 11:46 am

Should the crockpot be set to high or low when cooking the noodles?

Samantha Marceau
February 7, 2023 2:25 pm
Reply to  Heather

Whichever setting you used to cook the dish initially is fine!

Cyn
Cyn
January 19, 2023 4:54 pm

I put this together as was in recipe. Only change needed is pasta timing. I changed the temp from low to warm, added pasta and with in 15 min it was almost over cooked this seems to be an issue with these pasta crock pot recipes. But the flavor is great and generally after fridg time. The pasta tends to be better the next day. So. Keep a close eye on your pasta!5 stars

Samantha Marceau
January 20, 2023 9:10 am
Reply to  Cyn

Thanks so much for sharing what worked for you, Cyn!