Soul-Warming Hearty Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe for Chilly Days

Beef goulash, a timeless comfort classic, weaves rich Hungarian culinary traditions into every savory bite.

Tender chunks of meat melt seamlessly with robust spices and vegetables in this slow cooker masterpiece.

Generations have cherished this hearty dish for its deep, complex flavors that warm the soul.

Paprika brings a distinctive Hungarian signature to this one-pot wonder, infusing the meal with smoky depth and vibrant color.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, deeply satisfying meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Let this goulash transport you to the cozy kitchens of Central Europe, where comfort and flavor reign supreme.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 6

Everything You Need for Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

• Ground Beef: Select lean cuts for healthier option, enhancing the rich, hearty flavor of the goulash while providing substantial protein.

• Onions, Garlic: Create a robust, deep foundation that infuses the dish with classic savory undertones and aromatic warmth.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, Beef Broth: Build a luscious, velvety base that tenderizes meat and creates a silky, complex sauce with bright, tangy notes.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a mysterious umami depth and subtle tang that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

• Paprika: Delivers a quintessential Hungarian essence with warm, slightly sweet undertones that define traditional goulash.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces a harmonious blend of herbs that complement the meaty, tomato-rich base.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and amplifying all ingredient flavors.

• Elbow Macaroni: Provides a classic, comforting texture that absorbs the rich sauce while adding hearty substance.

• Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Offer a creamy, melty topping and bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and final flavor dimension.

Tools to Make Hearty Slow Cooker Goulash

• Slow Cooker: Large, essential appliance for hands-off cooking that allows ingredients to simmer and develop rich flavors.
• Skillet: Medium-sized pan needed to brown ground beef and develop a delicious base for the goulash.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and breaking up beef while cooking.
• Cutting Board: Used for any chopping or preparing ingredients before adding to the slow cooker.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning ingredients like seasonings and liquids.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool if you're shredding fresh cheddar cheese for topping.

Cooking Directions for Slow Cooker Goulash

• Sizzle and Crumble Ground Beef

Grab a skillet and cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into tiny bits. Let the excess fat drip away for a cleaner, tastier dish.

• Unleash the Flavor Explosion

Toss the cooked beef into your slow cooker and create a flavor party by adding onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a splash of bold seasonings. Stir everything together until it looks like a delicious mix.

• Slow Dance of Cooking

Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. On low heat, let it simmer for 6-8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, crank it up to high for 3-4 hours.

• Pasta Power

Toss in the elbow macaroni during the final 30 minutes of cooking. Watch as the pasta transforms and becomes perfectly tender.

• Cheesy Grand Finale

Sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top and let it melt into gooey goodness. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your incredible meal!

Make Slow Cooker Goulash Your Own with Tips

• Beef Swap Magic: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers amazing flavor.
• Veggie Power Boost: Sneak in extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to increase nutrition and add more texture to the goulash.
• Gluten-Free Fix: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni or replace pasta with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that keeps the dish delicious and satisfying.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the paprika intensity by using sweet paprika for mild flavor or smoked paprika for a deeper, more robust taste profile.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese options like mozzarella, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to create your perfect melty topping.

Serve Slow Cooker Goulash Hot and Satisfying

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty goulash with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Warm garlic bread or crusty sourdough slices make an excellent side to soak up the rich, savory sauce.
• Cheesy Topping Twist: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or blend in some mozzarella for an even more indulgent cheese experience that melts perfectly into the goulash.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Chop some fresh basil or additional parsley on top to add a bright, fresh note that cuts through the rich, meaty flavors of the dish.

Store Slow Cooker Goulash for Another Cozy Meal

• Meal Prep Magic: Divide cooled goulash into individual airtight containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• Freezer-Friendly Friend: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days. Always use a clean spoon when serving to extend freshness.
• Reheating Revival: Warm gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

Hearty Slow Cooker Goulash Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hungarian slow cooker goulash brings hearty comfort to your dinner table with tender beef and rich paprika-infused sauce. Meat falls apart while vegetables meld together, creating a soul-warming meal you’ll savor with crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb / 450 g ground beef
• 2 cups / 500 g tomato sauce
• 1 can / 400 g diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups / 480 ml beef broth
• 2 cups / 200 g elbow macaroni
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 cup / 100 g shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in skillet over medium heat, breaking into fine crumbles and draining excess fat for a leaner dish.
2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer beef to slow cooker, combining with onions, garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, paprika, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in one comprehensive mixture.
3. Cooking Process: Cover and simmer on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop deep, rich complexity.
4. Pasta Integration: Add uncooked elbow macaroni during final 30 minutes of cooking, gently folding into sauce to ensure perfect pasta absorption and consistent texture.
5. Finishing Touches: Check pasta tenderness and adjust seasoning if needed; optionally crown with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
6. Serving Recommendation: Ladle immediately into warm bowls, capturing the goulash’s peak temperature and robust, comforting essence.

Notes

• Manage Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef achieves deep caramelization for rich flavor complexity without burning, using medium-high heat and stirring occasionally.
• Control Liquid Ratio: Add broth gradually to prevent watery consistency, allowing slow cooker to concentrate flavors and maintain optimal sauce thickness.
• Pasta Precision: Add macaroni only during final 30 minutes to avoid mushy texture, preventing overcooking and maintaining perfect al dente quality.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free pasta, and opt for low-sodium broth to accommodate various nutritional requirements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Hungarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg