Crockpot Goulash Recipe

Published: June 5, 2025

by Sofia

This Crockpot Goulash Recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish warms the soul while offering an easy preparation process. The cheese adds a delightful creaminess that makes this goulash stand out as a beloved classic.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Just toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it do the work for you.
Flavorful Comfort Food: The combination of beef, tomatoes, and cheddar creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
Versatile Meal: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick family dinner or a potluck with friends.
Hearty and Filling: Packed with meat and pasta, this goulash will satisfy even the hungriest guests.
Make Ahead Option: Ideal for meal prep; simply store leftovers for an easy lunch or dinner later in the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the right tools on hand to make your Crockpot Goulash Recipe effortless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: Allows for low-and-slow cooking that enhances flavors while you go about your day.
Skillet: Perfect for browning meat before adding it to the crockpot, which adds depth to your dish.

Ingredients

This cheesy, beefy crockpot goulash is the ultimate comfort food! Tender elbow macaroni is smothered in a rich tomato-beef sauce and finished with a blanket of melted cheddar cheese.

For the Meat and Base

2 lbs ground beef or turkey
1 onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Saucy Goodness

4 cups beef broth or 4 bouillon cubes + 4 cups water
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
15 oz can petite diced tomatoes
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 bay leaves
1 tsp salt

For Pasta and Cheese

4 cups dry elbow macaroni
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Crockpot Goulash Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat and transfer it to the crockpot.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and salt to the crockpot. Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Step 3: Cook in the Crockpot

Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.

Step 4: Add Elbow Macaroni

Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the dry elbow macaroni. Cover again and continue cooking until pasta is tender.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Remove bay leaves from the mixture. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Serve your cheesy crockpot goulash hot. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired for an extra touch!

How to Serve Crockpot Goulash Recipe

Crockpot goulash is a hearty dish that warms the soul. When it comes to serving this cheesy, beefy delight, you have plenty of options to enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions provide a mild onion flavor and crunch.

Pair with Bread

Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for a comforting side that complements the goulash beautifully.
Crusty Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.

Add a Salad

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and balances the richness of the goulash.
Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with your favorite dressing can lighten the meal.

Serve with Additional Cheese

Extra Cheddar: Offer additional shredded cheddar on the side for those who love extra cheese melted on top.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory touch that pairs well with the flavors of goulash.

How to Perfect Crockpot Goulash Recipe

To achieve the best possible results with your crockpot goulash recipe, consider these helpful tips.

Use Quality Meat: Choosing high-quality ground beef or turkey enhances flavor and texture.
Brown the Meat: Browning the meat before adding it to the crockpot gives depth to the overall taste.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak seasonings according to your preferences; more Worcestershire sauce can add umami.
Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on LOW allows flavors to meld beautifully; avoid rushing the process.
Check Pasta Doneness: Stir in pasta 30 minutes before serving but check for doneness to prevent overcooking.
Experiment with Veggies: Adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can elevate your goulash even further.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Goulash Recipe

Complement your crockpot goulash with delightful side dishes that enhance its flavor. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up goulash.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add nutrients without overpowering flavors.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and contrasts nicely with the creamy goulash.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf provides a subtle base that absorbs sauces beautifully.
Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory dishes, adding texture and flavor.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer comfort and soak up all the delicious sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a delicious Crockpot Goulash Recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to help you avoid them.

Using uncooked pasta – Adding dry pasta at the beginning can lead to mushy results. Stir it in 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Skipping the browning step – Not browning the meat first can result in less flavor. Always brown your ground beef or turkey before adding it to the crockpot.
Overcrowding the crockpot – Filling your crockpot too full can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure you leave enough space for steam to circulate.
Neglecting seasoning – Forgetting to season can make your dish bland. Use adequate salt and spices for a flavorful goulash.
Ignoring cooking times – Cooking on high for too long can overcook the pasta. Stick to recommended times for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Goulash Recipe

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Goulash Recipe

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot, usually around 2-4 minutes total.
Stovetop – Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Crockpot Goulash Recipe that can help you perfect your dish.

Can I use other types of meat in my Crockpot Goulash Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, or even use sausage for added flavor.

How do I customize my Crockpot Goulash Recipe?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all ingredients and store them in the refrigerator overnight, then cook them the next day.

What should I serve with Crockpot Goulash?

This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy and hearty Crockpot Goulash Recipe is perfect for families and gatherings alike. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a favorite among home cooks. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours!