Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that practically cooks itself? Try our Easy Crockpot Goulash recipe! Packed with hearty ground beef, colorful vegetables, and savory seasonings, this slow cooker goulash is sure to become a family favorite. With just a few simple steps, you can have a warm and satisfying dinner waiting for you at the end of a busy day.
Why You’ll Love to Make This Recipe
Our easy crockpot goulash recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Convenience: With minimal prep and hands-off cooking in the slow cooker, this goulash is perfect for hectic weeknights when you need a hassle-free dinner option.
- Comforting Flavors: Packed with hearty ground beef, colorful vegetables, and savory seasonings, this goulash delivers cozy and satisfying flavors that will warm you up from the inside out.
- Versatility: Serve this goulash as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete dinner. It’s equally delicious on its own, over pasta, or with a slice of crusty bread.
- Family Favorite: This goulash is a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to sneak in extra vegetables, and everyone will love the comforting taste.
- Leftovers Friendly: This recipe yields plenty of servings, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze individual portions for future meals.
Quick and Easy Crockpot Goulash Recipe for Busy Cooks
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
Saute the Vegetables:
In the same skillet used for the ground beef, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until they are tender. Add a small amount of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked ground beef, sauteed vegetables, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook in Slow Cooker:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3.5 hours.
Cook Pasta:
About 1 hour before the slow cooker has finished cooking, prepare the macaroni according to the package directions for timing.
Add Pasta and Peas:
Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the cooked pasta and frozen peas into the slow cooker.
Continue Cooking:
Replace the lid on the crockpot and continue cooking for the remaining time until the pasta is tender and the peas are heated through.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, serve the goulash hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this easy crockpot meal.
Notes
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the ground beef and sauteed vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble in the slow cooker.
Freezing: This goulash freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Customize: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours (in slow cooker)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy crockpot goulash, slow cooker goulash, ground beef recipe, comfort food, one-pot meal, weekday dinner, family-friendly recipe, hearty meal
Variations
- Spicy Goulash: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Goulash: Stir in grated cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, into the goulash before serving for a cheesy twist.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Skillet
- Slow cooker
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Food and Drink Pairings
Pair this Easy Crockpot Goulash with:
- Side Dish: Serve with a side of garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.
- Beverage: Enjoy with a glass of red wine, iced tea, or lemonade.
- Dessert: Finish your meal with a sweet treat like fruit cobbler or chocolate pudding.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
Can I omit the pasta for a low-carb version?
Yes, you can omit the pasta for a low-carb version of this goulash. Simply increase the amount of vegetables or add additional protein to bulk up the dish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes. Simply dice fresh tomatoes and use them in place of the canned tomatoes.
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Goulash is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s a convenient option for feeding your family. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors of this classic comfort food!
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