Cozy Crock Pot Goulash

Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Ever experienced a meal that wraps around you like a warm hug? That’s the essence of Cozy Crock Pot Goulash! This dish is a delightful mix of tender beef, hearty pasta, and zesty tomatoes, simmered together to perfection. Picture this: you walk into your home after a long day, and the savory aroma instantly makes you feel at ease. Sounds heavenly, right?

Why Make This Recipe

What makes this goulash a favorite? For starters, it’s super easy to make and perfect for those busy nights. Just toss everything in the crock pot, and let it do the work while you unwind. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup involved—if only all meals came with their own cleanup crew!

And let’s not forget how family-friendly this dish is. Kids will gobble it up, and you won’t have to deal with the classic “what’s for dinner?” debate. Seriously, who doesn’t love a one-pan dinner? 😊

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10.5 oz) tomato soup
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
2. Add onions and garlic to the skillet, and sauté until they’re soft (about 3 minutes).
3. Transfer the beef mixture to your crock pot.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite cheese, if desired.

How to Make Cozy Crock Pot Goulash (Overview)

Making Cozy Crock Pot Goulash is a breeze! Here’s the kicker: it all starts with browning some beef. While that’s happening, you can chop up an onion and mince your garlic for that aromatic kick.

Next, it’s all about mixing and simmering. Toss the beef and veggies into a crock pot, add in those rich tomatoes and some elbow macaroni, then let it all meld together. Don’t forget to stir in that Italian seasoning; it adds a layer of flavor you won’t want to skip. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic—it makes all the difference!

How to Serve Cozy Crock Pot Goulash

When it comes to serving, think comfort! Ladle the goulash into deep bowls for a cozy, rustic feel. Top it with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese—think gooey, melty goodness! For a bit of crunch, pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. Enjoy the vibrant colors and those mouthwatering aromas wafting through the air!

How to Store Cozy Crock Pot Goulash

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want to save some for later, you can pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to bring back that creamy texture—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Tips to Make Cozy Crock Pot Goulash

Here are some handy tips to elevate your goulash game:

• Adjust the seasoning: Taste as you go! If it needs a little more kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
• Use ground turkey or sausage: Feeling adventurous? Try swapping in different meats for a unique twist.
• Add veggies: Sneak in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Pasta choices: If elbow macaroni isn’t your jam, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes.
• Cheese, please: Try mixing in cream cheese for a creamy texture or sour cream for a tangy kick!

Variation

Want a vegan version of this comfort food? Simply swap the ground beef for lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add your favorite veggies—zucchini or mushrooms work beautifully!

FAQs

Can I make this goulash ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

Can I freeze Cozy Crock Pot Goulash?
Yes, it freezes well! Just ensure you cool it completely before transferring it to a suitable container.

What can I serve with goulash?
Try it with a side of garlic bread, a hearty salad, or some crusty rolls for dipping.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Cozy Crock Pot Goulash

A delightful mix of tender beef, hearty pasta, and zesty tomatoes, simmered together in a crock pot for the ultimate comfort meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef Or use ground turkey or sausage for a twist
• 1 medium onion, chopped Adds flavor and aroma
• 2 cloves garlic, minced For added aroma; consider toasting
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10.5 oz) tomato soup
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups elbow macaroni Can substitute with other pasta shapes
• 2 cups beef broth Or use vegetable broth for a vegan version
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasonings to preference

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
2. Add onions and garlic to the skillet, and sauté until they’re soft (about 3 minutes).
3. Transfer the beef mixture to your crock pot.

Cooking

1. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato soup, diced tomatoes, elbow macaroni, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender.
3. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite cheese, if desired.

Notes

Leftovers can last about 3-4 days in the fridge; freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth for best texture. For more flavor, adjust seasonings and add veggies as desired.