Crock Pot Goulash

$Crock Pot goulash is a warm, filling meal. It combines ground beef, pasta, and lots of flavor. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare. You can throw in your ingredients and let the pot do the work. This dish is perfect for busy days or family gatherings. - 1 pound ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 2 cups beef broth - 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked) - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a hearty dish. The ground beef gives it a rich flavor. The pasta soaks up all the tasty broth. You can make it your own by adding more spices or veggies. Don't forget the cheese on top! It melts and adds creaminess. The fresh parsley adds a nice touch too. This goulash is sure to please everyone at your table. Check out the Full Recipe to explore all the cooking steps and tips! Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. When the meat begins to brown, add in a medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook this mix until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there is too much fat, drain it off. This step keeps your goulash tasty and healthy. Once the beef is ready, carefully transfer it to the crock pot. Next, add a diced bell pepper, one can of diced tomatoes (juice included), and one can of tomato sauce. Pour in 2 cups of beef broth to give it a rich flavor. Stir everything together. This helps ensure that each bite is packed with flavor. Then, add 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well so that the pasta gets coated with the sauce. You can choose to cook your goulash on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Both methods work well, but low heat makes the flavors blend better. When the cooking time is almost up, gently stir the goulash. This step helps integrate all the ingredients fully. After stirring, sprinkle the top with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover it again and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt smoothly. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty dish! To make your goulash burst with flavor, choose your seasonings wisely. Use Italian seasoning and paprika for warmth and depth. You can also try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra richness. When cooking, remember to brown the beef first. This step creates a nice crust that adds great flavor. Also, let it simmer gently. Slow cooking allows the tastes to blend beautifully. Getting the pasta just right is key. Add it to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This timing helps it soak up the sauce without becoming mushy. If you notice the pasta absorbing too much liquid, add a splash of beef broth or water. This keeps everything nice and creamy. Stir it gently to avoid breaking the pasta. For side dishes, consider a simple green salad or warm bread. These pair well with the rich goulash. When serving, use bowls that are large enough for a hearty portion. A cup of goulash is great for an adult, while kids may enjoy half that. Top each bowl with shredded cheese and parsley for a pop of color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes. Don't forget to check out the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_4}} You can change the meat in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options keep the meal lighter but still tasty. If you want a vegetarian version, try using lentils or beans. These swaps help create a dish that fits your diet. Cheese adds a nice finish to goulash. You can use shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a kick. If you need dairy-free options, try vegan cheese. Nutritional yeast is another great choice for a cheesy taste without dairy. You can make goulash in an Instant Pot too. Cook the beef and onion first, then add the rest. Set it to high pressure for about 10 minutes. If you prefer baking, transfer the mix to a baking dish. Cover it and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. These methods give you more choices for your meal. You can store leftover Crock Pot Goulash in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool it down first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you are ready to eat, reheat the goulash on the stove. Use low heat to avoid burning. Stir it often for even warmth. You can also microwave it in a bowl. Heat for one minute, then check if it’s hot enough. To freeze Crock Pot Goulash, let it cool completely first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Press out as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, take it out and thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave for quick thawing. After thawing, reheat it on the stove or microwave. Stir it well to warm it evenly. Enjoy your tasty meal again! For the full recipe, check out the instructions provided earlier. You can boost flavor in many ways. Try adding: - Bay leaves for depth. - Worcestershire sauce for umami. - Red wine for richness. - Hot sauce for a kick. These extras bring new tastes to your goulash. Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian! Swap the ground beef for: - Lentils for protein. - Beans for heartiness. - Mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. This keeps your dish rich and tasty. To keep pasta firm, try these tips: - Add pasta during the last hour of cooking. - Stir gently to avoid breakage. - Use less broth if you like it thicker. These steps help your pasta stay just right. Yes, goulash often tastes better the next day. Letting it sit allows flavors to blend. Store it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. You can find the full recipe here for more details. This article covered how to make a simple and tasty Crock Pot goulash. We explored the main ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about ingredient swaps and variations to suit your tastes. I shared storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh and answered common questions. Crock Pot goulash is a flexible dish. You can adjust it to fit your style. I hope you try this recipe, experiment, and enjoy every bite!$

Enjoy a warm and hearty meal with this easy Crock Pot Goulash recipe! Packed with flavorful ground beef, bell peppers, and tender elbow macaroni, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is simple to make and sure to please the whole family. Click through to discover the full recipe and enjoy comforting goulash in no time!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

2 cups beef broth

1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish healthy.

Carefully transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crock pot. Add the diced bell pepper, diced tomatoes (including the juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth, ensuring everything is evenly dispersed.

Next, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni along with the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.

Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the pasta to become tender, and the flavors to meld beautifully together.

When the cooking time is complete, gently stir the goulash to incorporate all the ingredients. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover the pot again, and let it sit for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.

Serve the goulash hot, distributing it into bowls. For a delightful finishing touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to bring a burst of color and freshness to your dish.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 6-8 hours (crock pot) | Servings: 6-8