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Crockpot goulash is hearty, comforting, and practically cooks itself. Ground beef, tomatoes, and savory seasonings simmer low and slow all day, filling the kitchen with rich flavor. By dinnertime, you’ve got a warm, satisfying stew ready to ladle over pasta for an easy meal that feels like home.

A spoon scooping cheese and pasta from a dish.
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This easy goulash recipe is the perfect comfort food. Just simple ingredients and minimal effort required. If you’re in the mood for another classic comfort food dinner, my beef stroganoff recipe or homemade sloppy joes are always a hit, and just as easy to make.

This isn’t traditional Hungarian goulash, but more of an American-style comfort food, closer to homemade spaghetti, just as cozy and satisfying.

Why this Crockpot Goulash Recipe Works

Set it and forget it: The slow cooker cooks for hours, lets the flavors meld and keeps it hot, so dinner’s ready when you are.

Rich, layered flavor: Simmering all day lets the beef, tomatoes, and spices meld into a hearty stew.

Budget-friendly comfort: Made with pantry staples and ground beef, it’s an easy way to stretch ingredients.

Feeds a crowd: A big batch makes plenty for family dinners, potlucks, or leftovers the next day.

Ground beef, diced tomatoes, broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire, marinara, garlic, onion, bell pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, pasta, and Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips

Brown the beef first: Searing the ground beef with onion before adding it to the slow cooker builds flavor and keeps the dish from tasting flat.

Season in layers: Add salt and spices early, then taste again before serving. Sow cooking can mellow flavors.

About the pasta: Cook pasta separately for the best leftovers, or add it to the slow cooker during the last 45–60 minutes if serving right away.

Don’t overcook the pasta: If adding it to the slow cooker, check early. Different shapes and brands cook at different speeds.

Boost the flavor: A splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce adds depth to the beef and tomato base.

Ground beef and pasta goulash in a bowl with cheese and sour cream.

What to Serve with Goulash

If you’re looking for a great side dish to go with this American chop suey, here are a few ideas!

A bowl of American goulash next to a slice of Texas toast.

American Goulash Recipe

Crockpot goulash deserves a spot in your dinner rotation! It’s hearty and easy and leftovers hold up well. We know you’ll love this one!

If you love hearty pasta bakes, our baked spaghetti with meatballs is another cheesy, family-style favorite.

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A bowl of crockpot goulash topped with cheese and sour cream.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
4.98 from 49 votes

Crockpot Goulash

By Dahn Boquist
Crockpot goulash is a hearty American-style beef and tomato stew that simmers all day for an easy, comforting dinner over pasta.

If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment.

Servings: 10 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce , or 2 cups homemade sauce
  • 2 (15 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth , or beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 16 ounces dry pasta, see notes

Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • fresh chopped parsley

Instructions 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is soft.
    Cooking bell peppers and onions in a skillet.
  • Add the ground beef and break it up into pieces. Cook until brown. 
    Adding ground beef to the skillet.
  • Add the ground beef mixture to the slow cooker. Toss in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire, soy sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning. (See notes if you want to cook the pasta directly in the crockpot with the goulash). Cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 6 hours.
    Adding the goulash ingredients to the slow cooker.

For the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss the pasta in the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Use the pasta water to thin the goulash mixture, if desired.  
  • Stir the pasta into the hamburger goulash and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Optionally, serve the pasta separately and spoon the goulash over the top of the pasta.
    Stirring cooked pasta into the crockpot.
  • Serve the goulash with shredded cheese, dollops of sour cream, and chopped parsley. 

Notes

Cooking pasta in the slow cooker: If you want to add uncooked pasta directly, stir in 2 cups of water or beef broth. About 45–60 minutes before the goulash is finished, add the pasta and cook until tender. Cooking time will vary by pasta type and brand.
Keep pasta separate for leftovers: Pasta absorbs liquid as it sits and can turn mushy. For best texture, and better freezing, cook and store pasta separately if you expect leftovers.
Pasta options: This recipe works with almost any pasta. Macaroni, cavatappi, penne, or rotini are our go-to choices, but use whatever you have on hand.
Tasty add-ins: Mix in canned or frozen corn, sautéed mushrooms, frozen peas, or sliced black olives for extra flavor and texture.
Make it creamy: Stir in 6 ounces of cream cheese or ricotta during the last 20 minutes of cooking for a rich, creamy twist (always a hit!).

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 291kcal, Carbohydrates: 41g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 24mg, Sodium: 406mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Dahn Boquist

Dahn Boquist is a retired nurse turned recipe developer, home cook, and baker with years of hands-on experience creating and testing from-scratch recipes. She specializes in whole-food cooking with creative twists on classic dishes. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys sharing meals with family, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Read More About Me

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4.98 from 49 votes (49 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. angiesrecipes says:

    Didn’t know there’s an american version of goulash..looks super duper comforting and delicious, Dahn.

    Reply
    1. Dahn Boquist says:

      Thanks Angie!

      Reply
  2. S.E. says:

    Oh my, dried pasta! I have done that with lasagne and it works great, but never thought to do it with American Chop Suey. I’m all over this idea. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Dahn Boquist says:

      Hope you love it!

      Reply