Crock Pot American Goulash
A delightful mix of tender pasta, savory beef, and rich tomato sauce, this Crock Pot American Goulash is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 lb ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth Can be substituted with vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni Other pasta shapes such as penne or rotini can be used if elbow macaroni is unavailable.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to your preference.
To Serve
- to taste Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the browned mixture into a crock pot.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, elbow macaroni, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir until everything is well combined.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the macaroni is tender.
- If desired, top with shredded cheese before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook the macaroni; it can become mushy if cooked too long. Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top can elevate the final dish.