Craving a delicious and hearty meal that practically cooks itself? This Crockpot American Goulash recipe is your answer, delivering classic comfort food with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family with a flavorful, savory dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare, all thanks to the magic of slow cooking.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot American Goulash:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
How to Make Crockpot American Goulash:
Whip up a crowd-pleasing dinner with this incredibly easy Crockpot American Goulash! This slow cooker sensation takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a rich, savory, and satisfying meal in just a few hours. With a prep time of only 15 minutes, it’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it option for a delicious family dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped yellow onion to the same skillet (or a separate one if you prefer) with a tablespoon of oil, if needed. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned ground beef, sautéed onion, and garlic to your slow cooker.
- Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato sauce. Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.
- Season the Goulash: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker’s performance.
- Add the Macaroni: About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Ensure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid.
- Finish Cooking: Continue to cook until the macaroni is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve Hot: Once the macaroni is cooked, stir the goulash. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot American Goulash:
You’ll adore this Crockpot American Goulash for its incredibly rich, savory flavor profile that hugs every single bite of tender pasta and hearty ground beef. Unlike a quick stovetop version, the slow cooker melds these classic ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal that’s just as comforting as a hug. Plus, making this at home is a fantastic cost-saver, offering a delicious, restaurant-worthy experience without the hefty price tag, especially when you load it up with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream.
Forget the fuss of constant stirring and watching over your pot; this Crockpot American Goulash recipe is your ticket to effortless weeknight dinners that are bursting with homestyle goodness. It’s a nostalgic dish that tastes even better than you remember, making it a reliable favorite for families of all ages. Don’t wait any longer to bring this comforting embrace to your dinner table – give this Crockpot American Goulash a try today!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the Crockpot American Goulash to cool completely. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, let the goulash cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating (Refrigerator): Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between. You might need to add a splash of water or beef broth if it seems too thick.
- Reheating (Frozen): Thaw frozen goulash overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat as directed above. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen in a saucepan or microwave, although this will take longer and may require more stirring.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot American Goulash is a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor, making it a perfect, fuss-free meal for any occasion. Embrace the ease and deliciousness of slow cooking by whipping up a batch of this comforting classic at home. Your taste buds, and your wallet, will thank you!
Crockpot American Goulash
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.1 medium yellow onion
- Add the chopped yellow onion to the same skillet (or a separate one if you prefer) with a tablespoon of oil, if needed. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 medium yellow onion
- Transfer the browned ground beef, sautéed onion, and garlic to your slow cooker.1 medium yellow onion
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato sauce. Stir in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce.1 medium yellow onion
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.1 medium yellow onion
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker’s performance.
- About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Ensure the macaroni is submerged in the liquid.1 medium yellow onion
- Continue to cook until the macaroni is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, stir the goulash. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.