Crock Pot Goulash Recipe: An Easy Dinner Idea

When I was growing up, we ate dinner at home every night. My mom made a lot of awesome meals, but my all-time favorite was goulash. This Crock Pot goulash recipe is very similar to hers, but it's even easier since you can make it in a slow cooker.

This easy crockpot goulash is one of the ultimate comfort foods. Now to be crystal clear, this is an American goulash recipe. Some people also refer to this as American Chop Suey. This recipe is made with simple ingredients and is a good recipe for busy days where you don't have a whole lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

If you're looking for a Hungarian goulash recipe, this American version is quite different. Traditional Hungarian goulash is a very distant cousin to this American style goulash. While both have meat and tomato sauce, that's where the similarities end.

If you have a Ninja or an Instant Pot, you can brown the beef in there first and then just add the other ingredients! If you use a traditional Crock Pot, you'll want to brown the beef over medium-high heat in a large skillet on the stove top. Also, if you're not using lean ground beef, you may want to drain some of the fat out of it.

If you're using a traditional stoneware crockpot, I highly recommend using Slow Cooker Liners when you make this so you don't have any mess to clean up!

Now let's get back to this easy recipe! If you scroll all the way down to the end of this post, you'll find a printable recipe card.

• 1 Pound Browned Ground Beef
• 1 Onion Chopped
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Cup Beef Broth
• 1 29oz Can Tomato Sauce
• 1 14oz Can Diced Tomatoes
• 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Sugar
• 2 Teaspoons Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 Cup Elbow Pasta
• 1 Cup Cheddar Cheese

Crock Pot Goulash Recipe

Place browned ground beef into your slow cooker. If you have a Ninja, you can brown the beef in the Ninja, then turn it to the slow cooker setting and start adding the other ingredients.

Sprinkle in the chopped onions then add the sugar.

Next, add the garlic powder.

Toss in the Italian seasonings.

Open the can of tomatoes and add them to your slow cooker.

Pour in the beef broth.

Add the soy sauce.

Now open the tomato sauce and pour it into the crockpot.

Mix well and cook for 1 hour on high.

After one hour, add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Cook for an additional 3 hours on high. You'll want to make sure the macaroni noodles are thoroughly cooked. Add cheese and stir well.

This is one of my favorite easy meals! I like to add some extra shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream to my goulash.

FAQ

What do you serve with goulash?

I have found that goulash is a hearty meal and doesn't really need much more. I like to offer shredded cheese and sour cream with my goulash. My family likes to eat this with fresh bread or crackers.

Do I have to use ground beef?

Nope. You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, ground buffalo, or even a meat mixture that combines some of the other meat. If you want this to taste more like Hungarian goulash, then you can use stew meat.

Do I have to use cheddar?

No, you can use any kind of cheese you like. One of my kiddos thinks this is best with mozzarella cheese.

What else can I add to this recipe?

I know some people like to add green peppers or red bell peppers. I also know some people who sub worcestershire sauce for soy sauce. Some people like to add a bay leaf or a few bay leaves while it's cooking. I tend to avoid this step since I inevitably forget to scoop them out before serving. 🤦🏼‍♀️ If you like a thicker more tomato-y goulash, you can use tomato paste or tomato puree in place of some of the tomato sauce.

How do you store leftover goulash?

You'll want to store your leftover goulash in an airtight container in the fridge. And I honestly think leftover goulash may be better than goulash fresh out of the slow cooker!

Check Out These Other Easy Dinner Ideas!

Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Baked Spaghetti Alfredo

Ritz Chicken Casserole

Taco Mac and Cheese

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Pin This Slow Cooker Goulash For Later!

If you love the measuring spoons in the pictures, you can snag them here. I think cute cooking utensils makes spending time in the kitchen way more fun!

Also, I'm more than slightly obsessed with all things Rae Dunn (just in case you wanted to get a gift for me). 😉 If you want the Rae Dunn Salt & Pepper Cellars, they can be purchased here.

Looking for another slow cooker recipe your whole family will love?

Here are some of our faves!

Crock Pot Cinnamon Roll Casserole

This great recipe is super easy to make and is always a huge hit! Serve it with eggs for a yummy dinner or serve it for breakfast or dessert!

Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls

If you're looking for healthy comfort food, you're going to love these Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls!

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos are a super easy and budget-friendly meal that your whole family will love!