Melt-in-Your-Mouth Comfort: This Easy Crockpot Goulash with Ground Beef Is a Weeknight Savior
There’s something magical about walking into the kitchen on a chilly fall or winter evening and being greeted by the rich aroma of slow-simmered comfort food. This was exactly the inspiration behind this recipe — a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and ease all in one pot. And if you’re like me — a busy mom, food lover, and passionate home cook — you’ll appreciate any meal that’s hearty, healthy, and requires minimal cleanup.
So today, I’m sharing my absolute favorite take on an old classic: an easy crockpot goulash recipe with ground beef, loaded with veggies, tomato soup, tender uncooked macaroni, and a balance of flavors that will remind you of grandma’s kitchen — only with less time in front of the stove.
Whether you’re searching for a satisfying dish for those cold fall nights, or something that’s perfect for the whole family during a busy winter week, this simple, homemade crockpot meal is sure to become your go-to.
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Why Crockpot Goulash Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Let’s talk about goulash for a moment. If you grew up in the Midwest or the South, chances are you’ve had some version of American goulash — ground beef, pasta, tomato-based sauce, and maybe a few veggies snuck in. It’s humble, hearty, and universally loved.
What makes this version extra special is the slow cooker. Letting the ingredients meld together for hours develops deep, rich flavor without the need to babysit the stove. Plus, when you add the pasta later on, it absorbs all those savory juices, becoming tender without turning mushy.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Exact Measurements)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, soul-warming goulash:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups frozen corn (optional for added veggies)
- 1 (10.75 oz) can tomato soup
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for a creamy finish)
How to Make This Easy Crockpot Goulash
This recipe is as close to a “dump and go” as you can get, and it delivers massive flavor with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef (Optional):
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion and garlic over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add to Crockpot:
Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add bell peppers, frozen corn (if using), tomato soup, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings, and beef broth.
3. Cook:
Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2.5–3 hours.
4. Add Pasta:
About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in uncooked macaroni. Replace the lid and let it cook until pasta is tender.
5. Finish:
Stir well. If you like, sprinkle cheese over the top and let it melt in the final few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Fall and Winter
There’s just something about this recipe that screams sweater weather. The rich tomato base, the hearty beef, the tender pasta — it’s filling, flavorful, and exactly what your body craves when the temps dip. I’ve made this on snow days, after soccer practice, and even brought it to a neighborhood potluck. It’s warm, nostalgic, and gets better with every bite.
Product Recommendation #1: Crockpot 7-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker
If you don’t already have a reliable slow cooker, this one is a total game changer. Why I Love It:
It’s the perfect size for big-batch meals like this goulash, and the simple manual controls (High/Low/Warm) make it foolproof. The removable stoneware makes cleanup easy, and it’s great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Upgrade your dinner routine with a dependable slow cooker that does the work for you!
Delicious Variations to Try
This base recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- With Veggies: Sneak in zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- With Tomato Soup vs. Crushed Tomatoes: Tomato soup adds a creamy, slightly sweet note — my secret weapon for picky eaters!
- Make it Healthy: Use whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey, or add extra veggies.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella just before serving.
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double the beans and veggies.
Product Recommendation #2: Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1 Vegetable Chopper
Chopping all those veggies can be time-consuming, which is why this Mueller chopper is a total lifesaver.
Why I Love It:
It dices onions, peppers, carrots, and more in seconds — with zero tears. The interchangeable blades are great for different cuts, and it makes prep feel fun, not frustrating.
Buy it on Amazon
Cut down your prep time and make healthy eating easier with this must-have kitchen tool!
Storing and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it keeps.
To Store:
- Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
- Freeze in portions before adding pasta, so it doesn’t get mushy. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat in the crockpot or stove, and add fresh pasta.
To Reheat:
- Microwave individual servings with a splash of broth or water. Or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
What Makes This the Best Crockpot Goulash?
Here’s why this recipe is my go-to weeknight lifesaver:
- Simple, Affordable Ingredients
- One-pot cleanup (seriously!)
- Old fashioned comfort meets modern ease
- Perfect balance of flavors – not too tomatoey, not too bland
- Hearty enough for the hungriest eaters, but easy to lighten up
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers in taste, texture, and comfort.
Product Recommendation #3: Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers (Set of 14)
Leftovers are gold with this recipe, so you’ll want top-tier containers to keep them fresh.
Why I Love It:
These containers are leak-proof, stain-resistant, and microwave-safe. They stack beautifully and are perfect for storing or freezing this goulash.
Keep your leftovers fresh and organized with storage containers that work as hard as you do!
Final Thoughts
Writing this post brought back so many warm memories from my childhood — and even more recent ones of sharing this meal with my own kids on a chilly weeknight. It’s more than a meal; it’s a tradition, passed down and simplified for modern life. I hope you find comfort in every bite, just like I do.
If you try this easy crockpot goulash with ground beef, let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram — I love seeing how you make it your own.
Want more crockpot goulash recipes easy ground beef style meals? Keep an eye out — I’ve got more slow-cooker comfort coming your way soon.
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