Slow Cooker American Goulash – Easy Ground Beef and Macaroni Recipe

This Slow Cooker American Goulash is a hearty, comforting dinner made with tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, sweet onions, and a rich tomato sauce. Everything comes together in one delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and cozy evenings at home. 

Also known as American Chop Suey or old-fashioned goulash, this classic comfort food combines simple ingredients with satisfying homemade flavor.

The slow cooker allows the beef, tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings to develop a rich sauce, while the macaroni is added near the end to keep it tender without becoming mushy.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Goulash

• Easy family dinner: Simple ingredients and minimal preparation.
• Rich tomato sauce: Packed with savory beef and aromatic seasonings.
• Budget-friendly: Ground beef and pasta create a filling meal.
• One-pot comfort food: Everything finishes cooking in the slow cooker.
• Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully.
• Family-friendly flavor: A comforting dish everyone can enjoy.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Slow Cooking Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Pasta Cooking Time: 20–35 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Course: Main Dish, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients for Slow Cooker American Goulash

For the Beef and Tomato Sauce

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth, divided
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, alcohol-free if preferred
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

For the Pasta

• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni, approximately 8 ounces
• ½ cup additional warm beef broth or water, if needed

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Fresh basil
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan-style cheese

Ingredient Tip: Use lean ground beef to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy. Elbow macaroni is the traditional pasta choice because its curved shape holds the rich tomato and beef sauce beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker American Goulash

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.

Continue cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the browned beef.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes until the onion begins to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently.

Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked ground beef, onion, and garlic mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker.

Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Add the Tomatoes

Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.

Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Add the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and the Worcestershire sauce.

Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes.

Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings throughout the sauce.

Step 6: Slow Cook the Sauce

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours.

During this time, the tomato sauce develops a deeper flavor as the beef, onions, garlic, and herbs cook together.

Step 7: Add the Macaroni

Approximately 20–35 minutes before serving, switch the slow cooker to HIGH.

Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and the remaining ½ cup beef broth.

Make sure the pasta is submerged in the hot sauce as much as possible.

Step 8: Cook Until the Pasta Is Tender

Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 20–35 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Begin checking after 20 minutes because pasta cooking times vary between slow cookers.

If the mixture becomes too thick before the macaroni is tender, add a small amount of warm broth or water.

Step 9: Adjust the Seasoning

Once the macaroni is tender, taste the goulash.

Add additional salt, black pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.

The finished dish should have a thick, hearty consistency with tender pasta and plenty of savory beef sauce.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Spoon the American goulash into serving bowls.

Garnish with chopped parsley, fresh basil, or shredded cheese if desired.

Serve immediately while the pasta is tender and the sauce is hot.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Goulash

• Brown the beef first: This improves flavor and removes excess grease.
• Use elbow macaroni: Its shape works perfectly with the thick sauce.
• Add pasta near the end: Cooking macaroni too long makes it mushy.
• Use low-sodium broth: This gives you better control over seasoning.
• Check the liquid: Pasta absorbs moisture as it cooks.
• Stir occasionally: This helps prevent pasta from sticking together.
• Serve promptly: The macaroni continues absorbing sauce after cooking.

Pro Tip: For the best pasta texture, cook the elbow macaroni separately until just al dente, drain it, and stir it into the finished slow cooker sauce immediately before serving. This method is especially helpful when preparing goulash ahead of time.

Delicious American Goulash Variations

Cheesy American Goulash

Stir in one cup shredded cheddar cheese after the macaroni finishes cooking. Cover briefly until melted.

Vegetable Beef Goulash

Add diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra vegetables.

Spicy Ground Beef Goulash

Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slightly spicy flavor.

Ground Turkey Goulash

Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter variation.

Extra Saucy Goulash

Add another ½ cup tomato sauce or beef broth for a slightly looser consistency.

What to Serve with American Goulash

This hearty pasta dish is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple side dishes.

• Warm garlic bread
• Buttery dinner rolls
• Fresh garden salad
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted broccoli
• Garlic roasted carrots
• Simple cucumber salad

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Goulash

Refrigerator Storage

Allow the goulash to cool slightly, then transfer it into shallow airtight containers.

Refrigerate within two hours and store for up to 4 days.

Freezer Storage

For the best texture, freeze the beef and tomato sauce without the macaroni.

Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly to 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is American goulash?

American goulash is a comforting pasta dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, seasonings, and elbow macaroni. It differs from traditional Hungarian goulash, which is generally a paprika-seasoned meat stew.

Can I put uncooked macaroni in the slow cooker?

Yes. Add it near the end of cooking with enough liquid to soften the pasta. Avoid adding it at the beginning because it can become mushy.

Can I make slow cooker goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the beef and tomato sauce in advance, then cook and add the macaroni shortly before serving.

Why is my goulash too thick?

Macaroni absorbs liquid during cooking and storage. Add warm beef broth or water until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes. Small pasta shapes such as shells or rotini can work, although cooking times may vary.

Can I freeze American goulash?

Yes. The beef and tomato sauce freezes especially well. For the best results, add freshly cooked macaroni after reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker American Goulash combines tender ground beef, elbow macaroni, onions, garlic, and rich tomato sauce into one satisfying homemade dinner.

It's easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family without spending hours in the kitchen.

Serve it warm with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a delicious comfort-food meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

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