There’s something magical about a warm, hearty bowl of goulash. It’s rich, filling, and incredibly satisfying – the kind of meal that just makes you feel cozy from the inside out. And with this slow cooker goulash recipe, you can let your Crockpot do all the work while you go about your day! Packed with tender ground beef, savory tomatoes, bell peppers, and cheese, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend meal.

This version combines the flavors of classic American-style goulash with the ease of slow cooking. The ground beef and Italian seasoning give it that familiar, comforting taste, while the addition of bone broth and cheddar cheese takes it to the next level. Plus, it’s super easy to make – just throw everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it!

What makes this slow cooker goulash so special?

The beauty of this dish is that it combines classic, comforting flavors with a “set-it-and-forget-it” approach. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a savory, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. And because it’s made in the slow cooker, you don’t need to worry about constant stirring or watching over the pot. Just a few minutes of prep, and you’re good to go!

Key ingredients for slow cooker goulash

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating a rich, flavorful dish. Let’s go over what you’ll need:

Ground beef: Ground beef adds a hearty, savory base to the goulash. I recommend using lean ground beef to avoid too much grease. You can also use ground turkey if you prefer.
Onion and red bell pepper: These veggies add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. The bell pepper also adds a nice pop of color!
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a delicious, aromatic flavor to the goulash.
Italian seasoning: This herb blend includes basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, adding an Italian-inspired twist to the dish.
Bone broth: Bone broth makes the goulash extra rich and savory, but you can also use chicken or beef broth.
Crushed and diced tomatoes: Using both crushed and diced tomatoes gives the goulash a hearty texture and a robust tomato flavor.
Cheddar cheese: The cheese adds creaminess and a deliciously gooey texture to the sauce. Sharp cheddar works best, but you can use any cheese you love.
Elbow macaroni: Classic for goulash, elbow macaroni holds the sauce well and has that perfect comfort-food vibe. You can cook it separately and add it at the end, or follow the tips below to cook it directly in the slow cooker.

Essential tools for making slow cooker goulash

Here’s what you’ll need to make this goulash recipe:

Slow cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, but any size that holds all the ingredients will work.
Skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the veggies before adding them to the slow cooker.
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients and mixing in the pasta and cheese.

Step-by-step: how to make slow cooker goulash

Follow these simple steps to make a comforting, delicious slow cooker goulash:

Brown the ground beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish and removes any excess fat. Once browned, drain any excess grease, then transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
Sauté the veggies
In the same skillet, add a bit of oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic until the onions are soft and fragrant – about 3-4 minutes. This step helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the veggies. Add the sautéed veggies to the slow cooker with the beef.
Add the remaining ingredients
Add the bone broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine.
Slow cook the goulash
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-6 hours. If you need to let it cook longer, you can keep it on LOW for up to 8 hours – just check to make sure there’s enough liquid to prevent it from drying out.
Cook the pasta
About 15 minutes before serving, cook the elbow macaroni in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, then add it to the slow cooker, along with the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.Tip: If you prefer, you can cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker. Add the uncooked macaroni to the slow cooker 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. You may need to add a bit more broth if the mixture seems too thick.
Taste and serve
Give the goulash a taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed. Serve the goulash hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.

Variations and substitutions for slow cooker goulash

This goulash recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize it to your tastes:

Switch up the meat: Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor.
Add more veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, toss in some chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can add them at the same time as the other vegetables.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pasta, and make sure your broth is gluten-free. Gluten-free pasta can be a bit more delicate, so cook it separately and add it just before serving.
Cheese alternatives: Try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist.

Serving suggestions for slow cooker goulash

This slow cooker goulash is hearty and filling on its own, but you can add some sides to round out the meal:

Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the saucy goodness of the goulash.
Side salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the goulash.
Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli or green beans for a healthy, colorful side.

Drink pairings

Goulash pairs well with drinks that balance out its richness:

Red wine: A Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the savory beef and tomato flavors.
Beer: A light lager or amber ale works well, adding a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
Non-alcoholic: Try iced tea with lemon or sparkling water with lime for a crisp, refreshing option.

Storage and reheating tips

This slow cooker goulash makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
Freeze: This goulash freezes well, but the pasta can get a bit soft upon thawing. If you’re planning to freeze it, consider cooking and adding the pasta fresh when you reheat. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Common questions about slow cooker goulash

Q: Can I cook the pasta in the slow cooker?
A: Yes! Just add the uncooked macaroni to the slow cooker 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time. You may need to add a little more broth to ensure it doesn’t get too thick.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground “meat” or add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of bone broth.

Q: Can I skip the cheese?
A: Yes, the cheese adds creaminess, but the goulash will still be delicious without it. You can also substitute with a dairy-free cheese if needed.

Q: How do I prevent the goulash from getting too thick?
A: Make sure to check the liquid level in the slow cooker, especially if you’re letting it cook for 8 hours. If it looks too thick, stir in a bit more broth or water.

Q: Can I add other types of pasta?
A: Definitely! Rotini, penne, or small shells work well, but you may need to adjust the cooking time if you’re cooking the pasta directly in the slow cooker.

This slow cooker goulash is a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender pasta, savory beef, and a cheesy, tomato-based sauce, it’s a classic family-friendly dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Enjoy, and feel free to make it your own!