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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53 Comments
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Amanda
Amanda
May 4, 2022 1:57 pm

Do I cook the macaroni noodles before adding them to the crock pot?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
May 9, 2022 9:55 am
Reply to  Amanda

Nope, they cook while in the pot!

Robin
Robin
February 28, 2022 6:08 pm

It was great!!
Can the leftovers be frozen?5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
March 8, 2022 1:39 pm
Reply to  Robin

I imagine so!

Robin
Robin
February 28, 2022 4:29 pm

It was great! Can leftovers be frozen?5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
March 8, 2022 1:40 pm
Reply to  Robin

I imagine so!

Cindy McDonald
Cindy McDonald
February 5, 2022 9:46 am

How many servings is in the recipe?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
February 11, 2022 1:56 pm
Reply to  Cindy McDonald

Eight!

Ellen
Ellen
January 19, 2022 6:23 pm

This looks really good! Im going to make it tonight and I will let you know how it turns out. I grew up eating this but never knew the name! Thanks for the recipe :)5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
January 20, 2022 4:20 pm
Reply to  Ellen

Let us know how it goes!

Ellen
Ellen
January 20, 2022 4:33 pm
Reply to  Becky Hardin

It came out really good. I packed the leftovers for lunch and it will be dinner again tonight! Definitely will make again5 stars

Coleen
Coleen
January 15, 2022 8:43 pm

So far it looks delicious.

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
January 20, 2022 4:39 pm
Reply to  Coleen

I hope you enjoyed it!

Debbie
Debbie
January 14, 2022 5:33 pm

Approx cooking time after adding elbow noodles on high?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
January 20, 2022 4:53 pm
Reply to  Debbie

Look at step four!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
January 12, 2022 3:54 pm

Please use the jump to the recipe at the top of the page to skip the ads and go straight to the recipe. The ads are an unnecessary evil to keep this site and the plethora of recipes, free for those to use!

Holly
Holly
January 10, 2022 7:50 am

I’m going to make this tonight. Pretty much what I normally use. First time in a crockpot. I seen your recipe on my Google news feed. If I remember I’ll tag you on Instagram5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
January 12, 2022 3:44 pm
Reply to  Holly

Please do so, Holly!

Tammy
Tammy
January 8, 2022 10:21 am

Ta5 stars

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