When you need a hearty, satisfying dinner without spending the entire evening in the kitchen, this crockpot goulash is a recipe worth keeping close. Made with ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings, this classic American-style comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, and relaxed family dinners.
The slow cooker makes preparing the rich tomato and beef sauce wonderfully convenient. Once the sauce has simmered and developed its flavor, add the macaroni near the end of cooking for a warm, filling meal that everyone can customize with their favorite toppings.
This recipe uses familiar pantry ingredients, requires minimal hands-on effort, and makes enough to serve a hungry family. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad, and dinner is ready.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Goulash
Easy preparation: Brown the beef, add the sauce ingredients, and let the slow cooker do most of the work.
Classic comfort-food flavor: Ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning make a delicious combination.
Family-friendly: Tender pasta and a savory sauce make this a satisfying everyday meal.
Simple ingredients: Most of the ingredients are easy to find at the grocery store.
Great for meal prep: The beef and tomato sauce can be prepared ahead of time.
Ingredients You'll Need
<text color="secondary" size="sm">Prep time: 15 minutes · Slow cooking: 4–6 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH, plus pasta cooking time · Serves: 6</text>
1½ pounds ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional for serving
