Name: Easy Crockpot Beef Goulash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups water; 4 beef bouillon cubes; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 (15 ounce each) cans petite diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 3 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 cups elbow macaroni; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Crockpot Goulash. Oh, that comforting aroma that fills the house, whispering tnon-alcoholic ales of hearty meals and cozy evenings. If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of Crockpot Goulash conjures images of tender chunks of beef, simmered to perfection in a rich, paprika-infused broth, served alongside fluffy dumplings or crusty bread. It’s the kind of dish that transcends seasons, a true testament to the power of slow cooking to transform simple ingredients into something truly magical. What is it about this classic that captures our hearts and our appetites? Perhaps it’s the effortless simplicity of throwing everything into the slow cooker and letting time do the work, yielding a meal that’s both deeply flavorful and incredibly satisfying. This particular Crockpot Goulash recipe, however, elevates the experience even further, adding layers of complexity and warmth that will have everyone beggin extractg for seconds.

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups water
4 beef bouillon cubes
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (15 ounce each) cans petite diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups elbow macaroni
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Getting Started: Browning the Beef

The foundation of a flavorful Crockpot Goulash begin extracts with properly browned ground beef. This step not only adds depth of flavor but also renders out excess fat, resulting in a less greasy final dish. In a large skillet, add your 2 pounds of ground beef. Break it up with a spoon or spatula gin extractit begins to cook over medium-high heat. You’re looking for the beef to be nicely browned on all sides, with no pink remaining. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. As the beef cooks, don’t be afraid to stir it frequently to ensure even cooking. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. It’s important to get as much of that liquid fat out as possible to keep the goulash from becoming too oily. You can do this by tilting the skillet and spooning the fat out, or by carefully pouring it into a heat-safe container.

Building the Flavor Base

Now that our beef is ready, it’s time to introduce the aromatics that will elevate our Crockpot Goulash. To the same skillet where you browned the beef, add your diced large onion. Cook the onion over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes softened and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; these are packed with flavor! Once the onion is softened, add your minced garlic. Garlic is quite potent, so we only need to cook it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter taste. Stirring constantly will help prevent this.

The Slow Cooker Symphony

Transfer the browned ground beef, softened onions, and fragrant garlic from the skillet into your slow cooker. This is where the magic of Crockpot Goulash truly happens. Now, we’ll add the liquids and seasonings. First, dissolve the 4 beef bouillon cubes in the 4 cups of water. You can do this in a separate bowl or directly in the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the bouillon is completely dissolved. Next, add the 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and the 2 (15 ounce each) cans of petite diced tomatoes. These tomatoes will break down as they cook, creating a rich and luscious sauce. For an extra layer of savory depth, stir in the 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Finally, add the 3 bay leaves, which will infuse the goulash with a subtle herbal note, and the 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

The Simmering Process

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the beef to become incredibly tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste will become. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this releases heat and prolongs the cooking time. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting will still yield delicious results, though the texture might be slightly less developed. Throughout the cooking process, the tomatoes will break down, and the liquid will thicken slightly, creating that classic goulash consistency. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time will be absolutely divine!

Finishing Touches and Serving

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve your incredible Crockpot Goulash, it’s time to add the pasta. Carefully stir in the 4 cups of elbow macaroni directly into the slow cooker. Ensure all the macaroni is submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly. Continue to cook, covered, on high heat until the macaroni is tender and cooked through, usually about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom. Once the macaroni is perfectly cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves. Finally, for that irresistible finishing touch, stir in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Let the cheese melt into the hot goulash for a few minutes, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce that hugs the macaroni. Serve your hearty Crockpot Goulash hot, garnished with a little extra cheese if desired. This dish is perfect on its own or served with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this delicious and comforting Crockpot Goulash! This recipe is a true winner for those busy weeknights or when you simply crave a hearty, flavorful meal without all the fuss. The slow cooking process truly allows the flavors of the tender beef, sweet bell peppers, and rich tomato base to meld together beautifully. It’s a classic dish that never disappoints and is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

This Crockpot Goulash is incredibly versatile. While it’s traditionally served over egg noodles, don’t hesitate to get creative! It’s also fantastic spooned over mashed potatoes for an extra creamy delight, alongside crusty bread for dipping, or even as a filling for baked potatoes. For a twist, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor profile, or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. Feel free to experiment with different cuts of beef as well; a chuck roast works wonderfully, but a good stewing beef will also yield fantastic results.

Don’t be afraid to try this recipe – it’s surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The aroma that fills your home as it cooks is absolutely divine, and the taste is even better. I encourage you to give it a go and share it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long does Crockpot Goulash typically take to cook?

This Crockpot Goulash recipe is designed for convenience. Depending on your slow cooker’s settings, it generally cooks on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This long, slow cooking time ensures the beef becomes incredibly tender and the flavors develop fully.

Can I make Crockpot Goulash ahead of time?

Absolutely! Crockpot Goulash is an excellent make-ahead meal. In fact, the flavors often deepen and improve when allowed to rest overnight in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on the warm setting before serving.