Delicious Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Looking for a delicious and comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Crock Pot Goulash recipe. Perfect for those busy days when you need a hearty, no-fuss dinner, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that will have your family coming back for seconds. The blend of savory beef, colorful vegetables, and tender macaroni all simmered together in the crock pot creates a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul.

I stumbled upon this Crock Pot Goulash recipe during a hectic school night, and it has been a lifesaver ever since. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – just toss in the ingredients, let the slow cooker work its magic, and come back to a steaming bowl of goodness. The sweet surprise of peas and the comfort of pasta make each bite a delight, turning even the pickiest eaters into fans. So, whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy day, this easy-to-make goulash is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Quick Benefits

• Convenience: Throw all ingredients in one pot, let it cook in the crock pot, and come back to a delicious meal without much effort.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients like meat, pasta, and vegetables to suit dietary preferences or add more variety.
• Make Ahead: Perfect for busy nights or meal prepping, as it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to two months.
• Nutritious: Packed with a variety of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates, offering a balanced and comforting meal for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe Recipe

• Convenient One-Pot Meal: Throw all the ingredients in the crockpot, let it cook, and come back to a delicious, hearty meal without much effort.
• Comforting and Cozy: Perfect for chilly weather, this goulash fills your home with a savory aroma that will make everyone gather in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweetness from the peas adds a fun twist to the dish, making it appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Ideal for meal prep, you can make this ahead of time and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months for quick, convenient meals.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences – swap beef for turkey or chicken, use gluten-free pasta, add extra veggies, or make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat and vegetable broth.
• Delicious Leftovers: The flavors meld together even more the next day, making it a great option for leftovers.
• Versatile Pasta Options: Can be made with various pasta shapes, allowing you to use what you have on hand or prefer.
• Enhanced Flavor: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth and richness to the dish.
• Nutrient Boost: Add extra veggies like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for more color, flavor, and nutrition.
• Garnish and Serving Ideas: Top with freshly grated cheese, chives, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness and serve with salad and crusty bread for a complete meal experience.

Ingredients for Delicious Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Main

• 900 grams ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans (410 grams each) diced tomatoes
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 480 milliliters beef broth
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 cans (410 grams each) tomato sauce
• 150 grams frozen peas
• 340 grams dry macaroni pasta

Pro Tips for Delicious Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Pro Tip 1: Browning the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot will enhance the flavor and texture of the goulash. This extra step adds a depth of savory richness to the dish.

Pro Tip 2: For added color and nutrition, consider incorporating extra vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini into the goulash. These veggies not only bring vibrant hues to the dish but also contribute to its overall healthfulness.

Pro Tip 3: To ensure the pasta reaches your desired texture, add it to the crock pot about 30 minutes before serving. Keep an eye on it during this time to prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect consistency of your macaroni.

How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking up any clumps.

Step 2: Cook Aromatics

Sauté diced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper in the skillet until softened, approximately 4 minutes.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Place the beef and vegetables in a 6-liter slow cooker.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Combine minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth in the slow cooker. Mix well.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on high for 3.5 hours to allow the flavors to blend together.

Step 6: Prepare Pasta

Cook the macaroni pasta according to package directions one hour before serving. Drain thoroughly.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Thirty minutes before serving, combine the cooked pasta and frozen peas in the slow cooker. Cover and heat through. Serve hot and garnish as desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and enjoyed your delicious crock pot goulash, it’s important to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Allow the goulash to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months. Remember that the pasta may absorb some liquid as it sits, so when reheating, consider adding a little extra broth or water to maintain the desired consistency and texture. If you plan on using the leftovers for quick and convenient lunches, pre-portioning into single servings before storing can make for an easy grab-and-go option.

For those looking to customize their goulash, there are various ingredient substitutions and additions you can make. Consider swapping the ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or try using whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni for dietary preferences. Enhance the dish with extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini in place of one of the bell peppers, or explore a vegetarian twist by utilizing lentils instead of beef. Topping each bowl with freshly grated sharp cheddar and snipped chives, along with a dollop of sour cream, can elevate the flavor profile. Serving the goulash with a side of green salad and crusty bread completes the meal, offering a comforting and satisfying dining experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, for a healthier twist, whole wheat or gluten-free macaroni pasta can be used instead of regular macaroni.

To add more variety and nutrition, consider swapping one of the bell peppers with chopped carrots or zucchini. These vegetables will not only add color but also provide extra vitamins and minerals to the dish.

For a vegetarian version of this crock pot goulash, you can replace the beef with lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This swap will still provide a hearty and flavorful meal while catering to a vegetarian diet.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your crock pot goulash, consider serving it in individual bread bowls for a cozy and comforting presentation. Simply hollow out small round bread loaves, ladle the piping hot goulash into each bowl, and sprinkle with freshly grated sharp cheddar and snipped chives on top. The bread bowl not only adds a rustic touch but also provides a delicious way to enjoy every last bit of the saucy goodness.

For a fun twist on serving, create a goulash bar where guests can customize their bowls with various toppings like sour cream, chopped fresh herbs, crispy bacon bits, or pickled jalapeños. Set out a variety of accompaniments in small bowls and let everyone build their own ultimate goulash creation. This interactive and versatile setup is perfect for gatherings and allows each person to tailor their meal to their preferences, making it a memorable dining experience for all.

FAQs for Delicious Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes, you can substitute macaroni with other small pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells if preferred.

Is it necessary to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the ground beef in a skillet first improves flavor and texture before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I add extra vegetables to the goulash?

Absolutely. Mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini make great additions for extra color and nutrition.

How can I make a vegetarian version of this crockpot goulash?

Swap the ground beef for a plant-based substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, Crock Pot Goulash is a comforting and versatile dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The aroma that fills your home as it simmers is simply irresistible.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Crock Pot Goulash. Feel free to customize it to suit your family’s tastes by adding in extra veggies, swapping out the protein, or experimenting with different pasta shapes. This dish is forgiving and adaptable, making it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.

So next time you’re looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort, turn to Crock Pot Goulash. Its rich flavors and heartiness are sure to bring everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. Happy cooking!